Meningitis Action Plan
Meningitis Action Plan
Meningococcal disease can develop suddenly, usually as meningitis or septicaemia, and can kill or leave people with life changing disabilities and health problems. More information at meningitisnow.org.
While such events are rare, it is essential that the University has an effective action plan in place. We will at all times be led by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and it is UKHSA who will make strategic decisions in order to respond to any cases.
Guidance taken from the UK Government guide.
Action plans
| Step | Action | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Inform and liaise with the University Medical Service, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Student Wellbeing Services and External Affairs Unit. | UKHSA |
| 2. | Make a risk assessment to define close contacts (e.g. household and intimate contacts) requiring information and antibiotics and other ‘non-close’ contacts (from household, study and social groups) who may require information. | UKHSA |
| 3. | Arrange for close contacts to be alerted and to be issues with antibiotic prophylaxis (and offered vaccine where appropriate). | UKHSA |
| 4. | Inform and alert the general practitioners of all close contacts who are thus treated. | UKHSA |
| 5. | Provide public health information and advice to the University. | UKHSA |
| 6. | Inform urgently – same day if possible – students in same hall of residence (where applicable) and consider information requirements of students sharing classes or social activities with the case. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams, in liaison with UKHSA |
| 7. | Assess which student group(s) it is appropriate to inform. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams, in liaison with UKHSA |
| 8. | Consider arranging a meeting for students in the same accommodation, teaching group or other defined group. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams, in liaison with UKHSA |
| 9 . | Alert specific medical practices known to serve significant numbers of students | UKHSA |
| 10. | Draft a holding reactive press statement. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams /UKHSA |
| Step | Action | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Activate the outbreak plan and convene an Incident Management Team. | UKHSA |
| 2. | Consult with regional/national epidemiologists. | UKHSA |
| 3. | Consider prophylaxis for defined target group. | Incident Management Team |
| 4. | Consider vaccination for defined target group. | Incident Management Team |
| 5. | If agreed, vaccinate the target group. | UKHSA/NHS to organise local provider to deliver |
| 6. |
Issue information immediately (within four hours) to students in the same accommodation (where relevant). |
Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams |
| 7. | Issue information urgently (same day) to all appropriate University departments. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams |
| 8. | Alert local Accident and Emergency departments and acute hospitals (same day). | UKHSA |
| 9. | Alert all general practices servicing students urgently (same day). | UKHSA |
| 10. | Consider notifying other local universities. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams / UKHSA |
| 11. | Alert all appropriate general practices as soon as possible (next working day). | UKHSA / NHS |
| 12. | Convene meeting with the target group. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams |
| 13. | Check for any signs and symptoms in other contacts. | UKHSA / Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams |
| 14. | Consider setting up a helpline for students, staff, parents and supporters; ensuring national helplines are available as back up. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams |
| 15. | Notify details of the incident to the meningitis charities and NHS 111. | UKHSA |
| 16. | Notify other Health Protection Teams via the weekly PHE conference. | UKHSA |
| 17. | Agree public communication strategy. | Bath Spa External Affairs and Student Wellbeing Services teams / UKHSA / NHS |
Bath Spa University Contacts
One email to alert key teams
Email to meningitisalert@bathspa.ac.uk
Vice-Chancellor's office
Professor Susan Rigby, Vice-Chancellor
Email: vice-chancellor@bathspa.ac.uk
Allison Dagger, Head of Chancelry Admin Team and Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor
Phone: 01225 875510
Email: a.dagger@bathspa.ac.uk
Student Wellbeing Services
Sara Gallagher, Head of Student Wellbeing
Phone: 07583 105056
Email: s.gallagher@bathspa.ac.uk and studentwellbeing@bathspa.ac.uk
University Medical Service (Fairfield Park Health Centre)
Phone: 01225 331616
24/7 Emergency Contact
Bath Spa University Security
Phone: 01225 875555