Why is this important?
Some diseases can have serious consequences such as hospitalisations and deaths. This is why it is important that the disease is rapidly identified and attempts are made to prevent the spread in the wider population.
Which diseases are notifiable?
Not all infectious diseases require a notification. Only ones that may have serious consequences such as TB.
Insert list from Ian off HIS and flow charts
Is it legally required?
Yes under the 1950 Public Health Act
It used to be a paper based system but is now electronic.
Who has to do it?
Medical practitioners whether working in the GHA or private sector in Gibraltar
Members of the public can notify but we would encourage them to discuss this with a medical practitioner.
How do I do it?
Doctors working in the GHA can notify via the HIS system
Doctors not working in the GHA please notify via this online form here
Further details are available on Microguide. This is an App that is free to access and contains information regarding eg antibiotic prescribing guidance for doctors working in Gibraltar.
If you cannot access the electronic systems during office please call: +350 22258707 Mon-Friday. If you cannot access the electronic system after working hours please call the hospital switchboard on +350 20072266
Do I have to wait for laboratory confirmation and then notify?
No. This is because some test results for some diseases may take a while to be confirmed and this would delay urgent public health action.
What happens when a disease is notified?
This depends upon the disease.
The Director of Public Health reviews all disease notifications.
For some diseases the public health team or the GHA will contact the person asking for more information such as: how long they have had symptoms, any travel history or what vaccinations they have had.
If there is a suspected case of food poisoning then an Environmental Health Officer may contact the person to ask about what food has been eaten and events or restaurants the person has attended.
For some diseases, such as active pulmonary TB, a positive case may be asked to identify close household contacts or people they have had prolonged contact with in the workplace. This is so that these contacts can be assessed and offered testing to prevent further spread of the disease.
The infectious disease notifications are then reviewed on a monthly basis at the GHA Infection Control Committee meeting so that trends over time can be explored and proactive interventions planned to prevent diseases spreading.
