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15. Security
The changes to the provision of healthcare which will occur during the peak of a pandemic are likely to affect the community at large. The proposed changes will mean that some aspects of healthcare will not be available to patients who may need or want them, and there may be shortages of key supplies such as antibiotics or antivirals. Training in communication skills and conflict resolution may benefit staff facing such situations. 62
During the peak of a pandemic, it is likely that the police will be severely stretched and health services should not plan for significant support. Primary and secondary care services should work with their local police force in the pre-pandemic phase to develop a security assessment and vulnerability analysis. This plan should prioritise hospital/practice assets for protection and should rely, where possible, on physical and technological - rather than human - solutions. Proactive communication with the public can reduce the potential for civil unrest and should be part of community and institutional plans.
Health services may wish to consider the following generic security measures:
- increased monitoring of hospital/practice premises and surroundings
- single or few designated entrances
- limiting visiting (e.g. to a single visitor per patient or to no visitors at all).
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