The NHS is preparing for the possibility of an outbreak of pandemic influenza in the UK and the NHS Confederation is working with the Department of Health (DH) on preparing to tackle a potential outbreak.

An outbreak of pandemic influenza would be a major public health challenge as it is expected to be a potentially new and virulent strain. The UK has limited stocks of an anti flu vaccine and the DH is monitoring developments.

The NHS has developed plans to deal with a range of emergencies and planning for influenza pandemic is integrated within these plans. All trusts and primary care trusts are developing pandemic flu plans. The Department of Health will be publishing details the overall NHS response.

The NHS Confederation is represented on the Department of Health pandemic influenza working group raising a range of issues such as the point at which most normal working within the NHS would be suspended. NHS Employers has chaired a Department of Health working group developing guidance for employers on handling the human resource issues that could arise in the event of a pandemic.

How to get involved

For more information on our work on pandemic flu, visit NHS Employers' website.

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