How prepared is the NHS to deal with cases?
The Scottish Government has produced a range of guidance to support NHS Boards in delivering their services during a pandemic. NHS Boards are responsible for delivering the local response and so all NHS Boards have well established local plans in place setting out how they will deal with pandemic flu. Boards are already reviewing those plans and we will be working with them to ensure that the local response is in place to deal with any wider outbreak.
What will happen about normal NHS activity - out-patient clinics, planned surgery etc?
At this stage our aim is to maintain normal levels of NHS activity, and primary care services, A&E services, planned surgery and out-patient clinics will continue as normal. Emergency plans exist for limiting routine activity, and will be implemented at a later stage if this becomes necessary, either because of a surge in flu cases requiring hospital treatment or if staff sickness affects the ability to deliver services effectively.
Will GP practices be able to cope?
As part of their planning Boards have already considered how they will deliver primary care services to their population during a pandemic.
In order to cope, GP practices will need to adapt flexibly to meet local surges in demand for their services. Primary care organisations are encouraged to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to planning. Plans should aim to mobilize the available capacity and skills of all health staff and contractors to meet local demand.
Why is Scotland not part of the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) operating in England?
Scotland is not launching the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) because NHS 24 and GPs are still able to cope with demand. We are closely monitoring the situation and if demand grows over the next few months, we have the ability to opt into the NPFS service at a later stage. A separate Scottish flu response service was set up on June 1 by NHS 24. The staffing in it has grown to keep pace with the growth in flu cases. People in Scotland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.
Is there a stockpile of antibiotics ready for use?
We announced plans to buy a stockpile of antibiotics for use in a pandemic and were in the process of placing orders when these problems with swine flu came to light. We will focus on maximising the use of antibiotics which are currently available as part of normal arrangements for the treatment of complications.
What are antivirals?
Antiviral drugs are prescription-only medicines for the treatment of certain viral infections. They have already been shown to be effective against the current H1N1 strain of swine influenza. Treatment with antiviral drugs can be expected to shorten the duration of the disease, alleviate symptoms and reduce complications and serious illness. To be effective, antivirals need to be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
The Scottish Government has already procured a stockpile of antiviral drugs sufficient to treat the Scottish population at a clinical attack rate of 50 per cent. This stockpile incorporates a mix of both oseltamivir (tamiflu) and zanamivir (relenza). All territorial NHS Boards have stocks of antivirals in place, and further supplies will be provided as required.
It is important to note that in Scotland antiviral drugs are available from the national stockpile, held in local NHS Boards, to anyone who needs them following assessment of eligibility using the HPS algorithm and authorisation from NHS Board Public Health departments . Provision of antiviral drugs in this way also means that the available stocks can be kept for those in most need and will esnure they are best prepared to deal with the virus.
Should the public wear face masks?
There is little evidence that facemasks will make any difference for healthy people in public places. Masks are only effective if they are of an appropriate type, worn correctly, changed frequently, removed properly and disposed of safely.
The Scottish Government has procured a stockpile of facemasks and respirators for frontline healthcare workers who are dealing with symptomatic patients. These staff have been trained in the use of facemasks. It is important to try and protect the sectors of society that need to support and care for those who will suffer from the virus.
What precautions should employers take for their staff?
Arrangements for responding to Pandemic Flu should be part of all employers' Business Continuity, and guidance on specific health issues such as the risk of transmission of swine flu is available from Health Protection Scotland (HPS) and will be routinely updated as further information becomes available.
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