Health Protection Teams (HPTs) play a crucial role in preventing and controlling diseases, managing health incidents, and addressing chemical or radiation hazards. If you need support related to infectious diseases, public health emergencies, or environmental hazards, your local HPT can provide expert guidance.
This article explains what HPTs do, how they assist health professionals, and how you can find your local team in England.
What Do Health Protection Teams Do?
Health Protection Teams work under the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to safeguard public health by responding to outbreaks and health risks. They provide:
1. Local Disease Surveillance
HPTs monitor diseases in different regions to detect outbreaks early and prevent their spread.
2. Alert Systems
They issue public health alerts for potential threats such as flu outbreaks, foodborne illnesses, or chemical hazards.
3. Investigating Health Protection Incidents
HPTs handle incidents like infectious disease outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19, measles) and environmental hazards (e.g., air pollution or radiation leaks).
4. National and Local Action Plans
They help implement government policies on disease control, vaccination programs, and emergency responses.
Who Can Use This Service?
The Health Protection Team service is primarily for:
✔ Healthcare professionals
✔ Local authorities
✔ Schools and workplaces
✔ Environmental health officers
✔ Public health organizations
If you need support for a public health issue, contacting your local HPT is the best way to get expert guidance.
How to Find Your Local Health Protection Team in England
You can find your nearest HPT through the official UKHSA website. Simply:
- Visit the UKHSA website and go to the “Find Your Local Health Protection Team” page.
- Enter your location or select your region from the list.
- Get contact details for your nearest HPT office, including phone numbers and email addresses.
Important Note: This service is only available for locations within England. If you are in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, check with your respective public health agency.
Guidelines for Sending Sensitive Information
If you need to send confidential information (such as patient details), follow these guidelines:
Use encrypted emails to ensure data privacy.
Do not include personal details (like names or addresses) in the subject line of emails.
These precautions help protect personal data and comply with UK data protection laws.
Health Protection Teams (HPTs) in England help prevent and control infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other public health risks. They provide crucial support to healthcare professionals and local authorities. If you need assistance, visit the UKHSA website to find your local HPT. Always use encrypted emails when sharing sensitive information to ensure privacy and data security.
FAQ
What is a Health Protection Team (HPT)?
A Health Protection Team (HPT) is a government-backed team responsible for preventing and managing infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and public health emergencies.
How can I find my local Health Protection Team?
You can find your local HPT by visiting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website and entering your location to get contact details.
Who can contact a Health Protection Team?
Healthcare professionals, local authorities, schools, workplaces, and environmental health officers can contact HPTs for disease prevention and outbreak management support.
Can I use this service outside England?
No, this service is only for England. If you are in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, check with your respective public health agency.
How should I send confidential information to an HPT?
Use encrypted emails when sending sensitive information and avoid putting personal details in the subject line to protect privacy.