Health chiefs are well prepared for swine flu outbreak

May 6 2009 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

LANARKSHIRE’S health bosses and council chiefs are well prepared to respond to a swine flu pandemic.

NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council have had several years to develop detailed plans to ensure arrangements are in place in the event of Influenza A (H1N1) spreading.

Dr Harpreet Kohli, NHS Lanarkshire’s director of public health, said: “We are confident we have the right plans and resources in place should the current situation develop and there is widespread transmission of Influenza A (H1N1) among the population.

“The Lanarkshire Pandemic Flu Plan is a joint plan between NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council.

“It sets out the actions we will take and arrangements we will put in place to ensure an effective and coordinated response to a pandemic.”

The plan details specific actions to prepare for and cope with additional demand on Lanarkshire’s hospitals, community health and social services in the event of a pandemic.

It also includes arrangements for effectively distributing anti-viral medicines and providing vaccinations.

Pandemic flu occurs when a new strain of influenza spreads around the world affecting a high proportion of the population.

In the last century there were three pandemics; Spanish flu in 1918/19; Asian flu in 1957/58; and Hong Kong flu in 1968/69.

Dr Kohli added: “It has been 40 years since the last pandemic.

“This would suggest that we are overdue the next one, although it is not possible to predict when it will happen.

“Because we have known for many years that another pandemic is likely, we are very well prepared. Our local pandemic flu plan is linked to the Scottish Government’s framework for responding to an influenza pandemic which is based on the UK Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan. The World Health Organisation has said UK planning for a flu pandemic is among the most advanced in the world.”

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to follow good hygiene practices. These will help to slow the spread of the virus and will be the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and others from infection.

When you cough or sneeze it is especially important to follow the rules of good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs; always carry tissues; use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze; bin the tissues after one use; and wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel often.

Gavin Whitefield, the local authority’s chief executive, said: “North Lanarkshire Council constantly update and revise our plans in the event of a major crisis or pandemic such as influenza.

“Our priority is always to maintain levels of service to all our residents and we work closely with our partners at local and national level to ensure residents receive all the important services North Lanarkshire Council provide.”

He added: “We will continue to monitor the situation regarding swine influenza closely and will work with our partners, including the Scottish Government and the NHS, to ensure our plans for dealing with any escalation of the current situation are robust.”

Check your symptoms online at www.nhs24.com or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. NHS 24’s number is 08454 24 24 24.