The health of the population may be at risk because groups of individuals are exposed, or at risk of being exposed, to infectious diseases, increased levels of a harmful substance or adverse environmental conditions. This would be termed a public health incident.
NHS boards must take action to protect public health and it is the responsibility of the NHS board to convene an IMT, if required. When services regulated by the Care Inspectorate are involved the Care Inspectorate should be become a member of an IMT. This guidance explains the role of Care Inspectorate staff when attending such a meeting.