Advice to Health Branches on Swine Flu (H1N1)

Introduction:
This fact sheet is intended to up date you on swine flu (H1N1) and the government’s decision to move from containment of the virus such as closing schools to treatment. It should be read in conjunction with Swine flu pandemic containment to treatment guide, published by the Department of Health (England) on the 2nd July 2009. Information is also available on each of the devolved government’s web sites. In addition to this, NHS organisations at all levels should now have contingency plans in place to cope with the pandemic; you should also refer to your local protocol and procedures.

The Department of Health have established a national joint working group to oversee plans for the management of a pandemic, UNISON and the RCN are represented on this group. Its important to appreciate that everyone is working collaboratively at all levels, partnership is key in this situation as information will be changing and emerging at different paces depending on the numbers diagnosed in your area. Our responsibility is to ensure that the health and well being of our members is maintained at the same time as our patients are receiving high quality care. No one should panic about swine flu; everything that needs to be done at government levels is being undertaken.

The plans for swine flu (H1N1) pandemic will need to be long term as organisations move into the treatment phase. It’s predicted that many more people will develop the virus and the governments anticipate peaks at other points in the year including the autumn and winter months.

This fact sheet has captured the key information which regions, branches and members need to be aware of. Web links to all of the information used are detailed at the back along with a range of other sources.

Download Advice to Health Branches on Swine Flu (H1N1)

Related PDF Manuals Guide:
NHS NORTH YORKSHIRE AND YORK
Swine Flu: A Guide for the Public
Pandemic Influenza Planning
Swine Influenza Symptoms FAQs
Swine Flu: A Stress Management Guide
Pandemic Flu Home care Guide
Pandemic Flu - Guidance for Businesses
AUCH H1N1 CHC Guide