MARCH Panel
Mark Parsons
Mark Parsons joined the NHS in the early part of 2004 as Health and Safety Manager for West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust. Previously, he worked within the gas industry as Health, Safety and Environmental Manager.
Although a relative newcomer to the NHS, Mark has grasped the challenges facing staff in the community setting relating to the safe handling, transportation and disposal of cytotoxic drugs. In 2005, he completed a BSc studies in Health, Safety and Environmental Management while continuing to work full time.
The MARCH guidelines proved valuable for information when researching for his dissertation subject, Safe Handling, Transportation and Disposal of Cytotoxic Drugs in the Community. With support from his trust, Mark has written a policy with community bias to assist community staff.
Following changes in the NHS structure of Primary Care Trusts where Trusts were merged, Mark has taken on the role of Assistant Director (Health, Safety & Environment). He has recently taken responsibility for environmental issues, in addition to health and safety, for Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, following changes to waste legislation in July 2005.