London Bombings - information leaflet and response form

• In this leaflet you will find details of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) follow-up of those people who were exposed to the effects of the London bombings on 7 July 2005
• It gives details of the people that the HPA is trying to contact
• It explains why the HPA is trying to contact them
• It tells you how you can give your consent to take part in the follow-up if you meet the criteria

If you wish to take part in the follow-up, please print the consent form, complete it and send it to (no stamp required) Freepost RLYT-TKAR-EEYJ

 

The full text of the leaflet is reproduced below

What is the Health Protection Agency?

The Agency is a government-funded organisation set up to protect the health and well-being of the public. We protect people from infectious diseases and other environmental threats to health.

Why are we trying to contact people involved in the bombings?

This is part of the overall public health response to the bombings that took place in London on 7 July 2005. Experience from similar incidents in New York, Madrid and the Netherlands has shown the value of keeping in touch with those involved, so that they can be kept up to date with information and support services.

By following up those involved we hope to:

• Ensure that anyone exposed to the physical and psychological effects of the explosions can be informed of services and support offered by the NHS or other organisations (such as the psychological screening and treatment services being developed by the London Development Centre for Mental Health).
• Monitor the longer-term health effects and learn how those exposed have coped with their experience. By regular follow up we can provide advice to others in the event of any future incidents.

We are trying to contact people who were involved in the London bombings

This is part of the public health response to the bombings that took place in London on 7 July 2005. We are doing this because experience has shown that keeping in touch withthose involved in this type of incident is beneficial. We want to contact everyone who was directly exposed to fumes, smoke, blood or blast effects from the explosions in London on the 7 July in any of the following places:

• On trains on the Piccadilly or Circle lines at or near Edgware Road, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street and Russell Square stations.
• On platforms and escalators, and in lifts, ticket halls or passage ways at any of the stations listed above.
• In the vicinity of the explosion on the Number 30 bus inTavistock Square.

or

• Everyone who was a member of NHS, Transport for London or Emergency Service staff and was involved in the emergency response on 7 July.

What if I do not meet these criteria

If the descriptions above don't apply to you, you need take no further action.

What if I do meet these criteria but don't want to take part?

If you don't wish to take part in the HPA follow up eventhough you were involved in the bombings, please tick the 'I do not agree to participate' box on the tear-offsheet at the back of this leaflet, sign it and return it to us at the freepost address. Any personal information that we hold on those who do not wish to participate will be destroyed.

What should I do if I wish to take part inthe follow-up?

If you are willing to help, please tick the 'I agree to participate' box on the form, sign it and return it to us at the freepost address, so that we can contact you with further information.

Will my details be kept confidential?

Yes, your name, address and all personal information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with others unless you give us your permission.

Will you tell me about the findings?

Yes, we will provide feedback on any significant findings. Findings will also be published on a website. However, this will not include any information that identifies individuals.

What help and support is available?

To ensure that you are updated on any advice and services available, we are working with hospital doctors and other specialists offering advice and support for those involved in the 7 July bombings. We are also working with the London Development Centre for Mental Health, which is responsiblefor the NHS Trauma Response services that provide psychological support for those involved in the London bombings.

Who is responsible for the project?

The management of the project is overseen by a steering committee, which includes representatives from the Department of Health, the National Health Service, the Health Protection Agency, the emergency services and London Transport. Your personal information will be known only by Professor MikeCatchpole, Head of Information and Knowledge Management at the Health Protection Agency and Dr Brenda Thomas, Scientific Coordinator of the follow up being undertaken by the Agency.

health_response (PDF, 88 KB)

Consent form (PDF, 28 KB)