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'SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING BEING MISTAKEN FOR FLU' SAYS ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GAS SAFETY GROUP
30 January 2009
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group has called for more to be done to ensure that medical professionals are able to correctly diagnose the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO). In a report, 'Raising medical professionals' awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning' launched today (30 January) members of the Group also call for further research to be undertaken into levels of CO exposure, to determine the true extent of the problem.
One of the major problems associated with diagnosing CO poisoning is that the symptoms are very similar to the flu. This not only leads to members of the public being unaware of the fact that they may be being poisoned, but also makes it difficult for medical professionals to make the correct diagnosis.
The Group's report contains recommendations for all medical professionals, as well as the Department of Health, NHS, Health Protection Agency and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to commit to measures that will ensure victims of CO poisoning are treated effectively and more lives are saved. The report follows a public meeting held by the All Party Group on awareness of CO poisoning amongst medical professionals; and a call for evidence from interested parties and members of the public who have been misdiagnosed. It also follows on from a report published by the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group in 2006 which examined public awareness of CO safety.
Co-Chair of the Group, Maria Miller MP said: "During the course of this inquiry we have heard about case after case of patients going to their doctor with the tell-tale symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning yet being mis-diagnosed. This is unacceptable. More needs to be done to ensure that medical professionals spot the signs immediately and know how to treat it".
'Raising medical professionals' awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning' is published on the same day as the London Ambulance Service issues its feasibility study into pre-hospital CO monitoring of patients. This 12 month study concurs with the findings of the All Party Group, and calls for, amongst other things, CO monitors to be provided to ambulance staff to both aid diagnosis and ensure crew safety, and for improved training for all health professionals.
The All Party Group's report can be found here.
MEETING ON ILLEGALS AND GROUP AGM
19 December 2008
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group watched research commissioned by CORGI to identify installers' motivations for working illegally at its meeting on 12 November
Read the notes from the meeting here
GROUP AGM AND SCREENING OF ILLEGALS FOOTAGE
7 November 2008
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group will be holding its Annual General meeting on 12 November at 2.30pm in Portcullis House. The meeting will include an airing of research commissioned by CORGI to identify installers' motivations for working illegally.
Places are limited, so please call 020 3128 8136 if you would be keen to attend the meeting.
INQUIRY LAUNCHED INTO CO AWARENESS AMONGST MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND BARRIERS TO DIAGNOSIS
9 May 2008
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group has launched an inquiry into awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning amongst medical professionals and barriers to diagnosis. The inquriy will look at how to raise awareness of the symptoms of CO amongst medical professionals, and how to ensure that they have the equipment necessary to make the corrext diagnosis.
The inquiry's terms of reference can be found here
Organisations and other interested parties are invited to submit written evidence, setting out their views on this issue. Written evidence should be sent to jennifer.lynch@yourmandate.com no later than Friday 4 July 2008.
MEETING ON CO AWARENESS AMONGST MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
7 May 2008
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group met on 23 April to discuss CO awareness amongst medical professionals. The Group heard from Dr Ed Walker,
Read the notes from the meeting here
NEXT GROUP MEETING CONFIRMED
31 March 2008
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group will hold its next meeting on 23 April 2008 from 4-5.30pm in committee room 20 in the House of Commons.
One of the major problems with diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning is that the symptoms are very similar to the flu. This not only leads to consumers being unaware of the fact that they may be being poisoned, but also makes it difficult for medical professionals to make the correct diagnosis. This session will look at how to raise awareness of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning amongst medical professionals, and to ensure that they have the equipment necessary to make the correct diagnosis. Isabella Myers of the Health Protection Agency, Dr Ed Walker,
If you would be keen to attend the meeting, please contact the secretariat of the group on 0207 340 6218.
LAUNCH OF 'BE CARBON MONOXIDE AWARE' LOGO
16 October 2007
The Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA) launched its 'Be Carbon Monoxide Aware' logo during this year's Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. The main launch took place at a reception, kindly hosted by Barry Sheerman MP, Co-Chair of the All Party Gas Safety Group, in the House of Commons on the morning of 16 October. Further launch receptions were held in the Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly and Welsh Assembly.
Further information on the 'Be Carbon Monoxide Aware' logo and the work of COCAA can be found at www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com
SKILLS MINISTER SPEAKS AT LABOUR CONFERENCE FRINGE
24 September 2007
CORGI held its annual fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on 24 September. The event, entitled 'Building Skills for the Future' was addressed by Skills Minister David Lammy, Co-Chair of the All-Party Gas Safety Group, Barry Sheerman MP, Summit Skills Chairman Simon Bartley and Energy and Utility Skills Chief Executive Tim Balcon. The event was Chaired by CORGI's Chief Operating Officer, Ian Powney.
Read the notes from the fringe meeting here
SCHOOL POSTER COMPETITION
10 September 2007
CO-Gas Safety has launched a school poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The charity is asking students to produce an informative and eye-catching poster warning of the dangers of CO and/or fumes and how to avoid them. The competition is open to children in their last year of primary school and first year of sixth form.
The deadline for entry is 31 July 2008. Further information can be found at www.co-gassafety.co.uk/competition.html
MEETING ON SKILLS IN THE GAS INDUSTRY ON 24 JULY
24 July 2007
The All Party Group's report 'Shouting about a silent killer: Raising carbon monoxide awareness' examined the current skills crisis and called for the Government to tackle the deficit of skilled installers and trainees. In the latest meeting the Group reviewed how the report's recommendations and conclusions with regard to skills have been taken forward, and considered further action that is needed on them.
Read the notes from the meeting here
MEETING WITH LORD McKENZIE AND THE HSE ON 18 APRIL
18 April 2007
The All Party Group launched its report 'Shouting about a silent killer: Raising carbon monoxide awareness' in September 2006. Six months on from the publication of the report, the Group heared from Lord McKenzie, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and Les Philpott from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on Government action with regard to gas safety.
Read the notes from the meeting here
SAFE AS HOUSES? GAS SAFETY ON THE AGENDA AT LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
25 September 2006
All Party Group chairman, Barry Sheerman MP, raised gas safety issues at a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference.
Read more.....
REPORT LAUNCHED ON ‘SILENT KILLER’
14 September 2006
The All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group has launched a report calling for further action to safeguard people from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisioning. The report is a result of the Group’s inquiry, which took place earlier in the year.
Read more.......
NEW INQUIRY INTO AWARENESS OF 'SILENT KILLER'
3 July 2006
The All Party Gas Safety Group announces today a new inquiry into awareness of the silent killer, carbon monoxide. The inquiry will be led by group officers, Barry Sheerman MP and Maria Miller MP.
Read more.......
ENERGY COMPANIES AND CO AWARENESS
March 2006
All Party Group Vice-Chairman, Barry Sheerman MP, hosted a meeting including representatives of the energy sector, victims of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning, and other interested parties, to discuss how to take forward plans for an energy-company funded campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of CO poisoning. The concept of an industry-funded campaign has attracted a great deal of support amongst stakeholders with an interest in improving gas safety, and was recommended by the HSE in its last Fundamental Review of Gas Safety.
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CARBON MONOXIDE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
November 2005
Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning kills in the region of 20 – 30 people each year, and injures many hundred more. It is known as the silent killer because you can’t see it, hear it, smell it or taste it. With an extremely cold winter forecast, there are fears of more deaths resulting from poorly maintained heating systems.
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JON TRICKETT MP SPONSORS EDM ON GAS SAFETY
13 June 2005