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5. An influenza pandemic in the UK would be a major challenge to the operation of both NHS services and community care services. This guidance is designed to provide a framework for local decisions on employment issues. It aims to address some key issues and answer some common questions, whilst recognising the unpredictable nature of the challenge. NHS services have extensive experience of successfully dealing with a range of disasters and emergencies that will assist in the response to pandemic influenza. Pandemic influenza is however likely to be more sustained and widespread than other types of emergency. For example, the duration of the demand, the levels of absence and stress on staff may be unprecedented.
6. In general NHS services and community care services should seek to operate within its existing employment principles during a pandemic though with modifications suggested below. In particular NHS services and community care services will need to draw on a range of staff to offset the impact of absence, ask staff to work flexibly and support staff during the pandemic.
7. The guidance is split into three sections: Before, during and after the pandemic.
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