Pandemic flu: managing demand and capacity in health care organisations (surge)

Source: Department of Health  

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Best Practice

In a nutshell: The aim of this guidance is to support NHS and social care organisations to build on their existing preparedness plans and enable clinicians to work within an ethical framework during a pandemic, when there may be a significant increase in demand for care. It contains guidance for primary and secondary care services on managing demand and capacity and the prioritisation of services and patients during an influenza pandemic

This document provides staff with guidance on operational issues around the increase in demand for services, and supporting clinicians with the decision making processes on triaging patients.

Length of publication: 127 pages

Some important notes: This guidance should be used to inform current planning during World Health Organisation (WHO) Phase 3 and to assist in the development of pandemic preparedness plans. It is intended for operational use in the UK once WHO declares Phase 6 and the Department of Health in England (as the UK lead agency for pandemic influenza) declares UK alert level 1.

MPs debate access to emergency and urgent care services

Source: Parliament

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: This parliamentary debate acknowledges the excellent emergency and urgent care services in the UK and the recent strain placed on these services from winter viruses. The debate covers the improvement of acute hospital services and development of specialist centres where appropriate but highlights the concerns of the College of Emergency Medicine on proposals to establish urgent care centres. Public involvement; the contribution made by community first responders; and a proposal to introduce a single telephone number to access urgent and emergency care services are also discussed.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Refers to the College of Emergency Medicine report The Way Ahead 2008-2012