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 Agency of any active TB cases. We will also ask your permission to discuss your care with other healthcare professionals such as your consultant and GP. We will not disclose information about you to anyone else without your permission.

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