WINCHESTER health bosses say they are ready for a crisis caused by swine flu.
In a statement, the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust said: “Planning for emergencies and major incidents happens all year round at Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust. Our major incident committee meets regularly and oversees our action plans for managing large scale events and outbreaks as well as organising practice exercises to test our readiness.
“The committee produced a comprehensive plan for managing pandemic flu which is also appropriate for swine flu. Clinical staff were fully involved in pulling this plan together and it has been approved by the board and endorsed by the strategic health authority earlier this year.
“The plan is very thorough and includes details such as isolation facilities for infected patients, protective clothing for staff, supplies of anti virals and how we work with other NHS partners and agencies. Meetings have been held to check that key members of our staff are familiar with the plan.
People who are concerned because they have recently been to Mexico and are developing flu-like symptoms should stay at home and either telephone their GP or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
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