Tuberculosis (TB) Nursing Service
Last edited: 20/12/2022
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Who we are
We are a community-based specialist nursing team, who provide care, support and advice for anyone diagnosed with TB or anyone concerned about having TB. We work to improve outcomes for patients by promoting standardised practice.
What we do
We provide care, education, support and information for patients and their families in the community who have been diagnosed with TB. We have regular contact with our patients through clinic and home visits, as well as phone calls.
At your first appointment with your nurse you will be given the name and contact details of the nurse who will manage your care throughout your treatment. Please do ask if you have any questions or require information in another format as we are here to help and support you.
Our nurses provide TB screening in several hospitals and community health settings. We work closely with respiratory consultants, paediatricians, pharmacists, microbiologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure a quick and accurate diagnosis.
In addition, we provide neonatal/child BCG vaccination clinics in Kent for people who meet Department of Health criteria.
Confidentiality
TB is a notifiable disease which means we have a duty by law to inform the UK Health Security
How do you use this service?
You need to be referred by a GP or healthcare professional to use this service. If you have any questions or would like to know if a referral is necessary please contact us.
Useful information
The following websites provide useful information and support about TB.
- TB Alert - UK’s national tuberculosis charity www.tbalert.org
- The Truth About TB www.thetruthabouttb.org
- UK Health Security
Agency www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
Contact us
Contact your GP for advice or contact our service on:
0300 123 1430
kentchft.tbadmin@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
BCG referrals and the UK BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccination programme
This is a risk-based programme, targeting babies and children who are more likely to have had exposure to TB. The programme is delivered by the TB nursing Service. For further information on this, please visit Public Health England website.
If you think your child is eligible for a BCG vaccination, please contact your health practitioner/GP who will complete the relevant referral form.
Information for healthcare professionals
How to refer a child requiring a BCG from a country with a prevalence of TB ≥ 40/100, 000.
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Text: 07899 903499
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
Donate today, and help the NHS go above and beyond. Visit kentcht.nhs.uk/icare
If you need communication support or this information in another format, please ask a member of staff or contact us using the details above.