TB Nursing Service

The Locala Community TB Nursing Service provide care and support to people with tuberculosis (TB), their families and other people they have been in contact with. We also work very closely with other health services locally, such as; Kirklees Public Health and the local hospitals. 

We aim to limit the spread of tuberculosis within the community and reduce the transmission of infection by early diagnosis and effective treatment.  

We also work to increase public awareness of TB, which it is preventable and treatable, and so people know the symptoms to look out for. 

Our Nurses also work had to break the stigma around TB, helping to reduce the shame and embarrassment that people sometimes feel, and so people know where and how to get support when it is needed. 

The TB service is run by specialist nurses who provide support to people across Kirklees who have tuberculosis (TB). TB is sometimes described as ‘latent’ and ‘active’. 

We support people in their own homes and at community locations, including health centers, whilst also providing support to people through hospital clinics. We also work closely with other health services to ensure people are supported throughout their healthcare journey. 

We offer:
• support, advice and home visits to those suffering from tuberculosis
• screening, support and advice to families, carers and close contacts of people with active and latent tuberculosis, identified by our screening process
• screening of individuals, including new entrants, at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis
• The BCG vaccine of selected young people and children under 16 years of age, according to national and local policy
• Advice and education about tuberculosis to other professionals, other agencies and the public
• Reactive outbreak screening in partnership with Public Health England and the NHS
• Communication and referrals to other health professionals where needed
• Visits to patients in local hospitals, who are diagnosed with TB, to ensure a seamless discharge home. For Kirklees residents, who are hospitalised out of Kirklees, Locala’s TB service work closely with the health professionals who are looking after them

Whilst providing support to people who have been diagnosed with latent or active TB, we also raise awareness amongst the general public about the symptoms of TB and how to access help and support. 

We work very hard to break the stigma of TB, and we understand that people can often feel embarrassed and extremely worried when they are told they have TB. However, TB is completely preventable and treatable. Screening and treatment provided by us is complete free. We will work with people to help them understand their diagnosis and will continue to provide support whilst treatment is ongoing.