The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an updated enquiry proforma for the UK Advisory Panel (UKAP) regarding healthcare workers living with bloodborne viruses.
Released on 15 September 2026, the revised document is the primary mechanism for occupational health teams and employers to seek specialist advice on individual cases involving HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. The form is designed to initiate formal investigations into whether a worker’s clinical practice requires modification to ensure patient safety.
UKAP is the national body responsible for providing expert guidance on the management of infected staff, specifically regarding their suitability to perform Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs). These procedures include surgical or clinical techniques where the worker’s gloved hands may be in contact with sharp instruments, needle tips, or sharp tissues inside a patient’s open body cavity or wound, where the worker’s blood could potentially contaminate the patient’s tissues.
The updated form is intended for use when a healthcare worker living with a bloodborne virus is identified and a specific investigation into their professional practice is required. This process helps determine if the individual can continue with EPPs under certain conditions or if their role must be restricted.
For general queries that do not involve a specific individual case or the submission of the formal proforma, the UKAP secretariat remains available via email at ukap@ukhsa.gov.uk.
The update ensures that the national process for managing clinical practice remains compliant with current public health standards, providing a clear pathway for clinicians and healthcare providers to manage staff health while maintaining rigorous patient protection.
