Information on ticks and Lyme disease

What are ticks? 

Ticks are small spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. Ticks that carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease are found throughout the UK. 

Managing risk at our places

We take all risks seriously at the places we care for, including Lyme disease. Wherever a risk is identified, a risk assessment is performed and a bepoke approach is developed by the on-site team to manage those risks for staff, volunteers and visitors.

Our staff members have access to internal information on Lyme disease which includes guidance from NHS Choices and Public Health England on the prevention and diagnosis of Lyme disease and tick removal.

Information for visitors

Information and guidance for visitors about Lyme disease is available at the places where we’ve identified a material risk, although it will never be clear where someone may have contracted the disease.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of the disease is encouraged to seek a medical opinion as soon as possible given the potentially serious long term implications of not receiving suitable treatment. 

For more information on Lyme Disease, visit NHS Choices and Public Health England websites.