Swine Flu Preparedness Workshop 17 September 2009 National Pandemic Flu Service John Farrell

NPFS – What Is It? UK-Wide System to support pandemic influenza in order to: –Relieve the pressure on primary care services, particularly GPs –Provide patients with rapid access to anti virals –Supplement surveillance information Minister agreed in 2007 NI would join NPFS Can be used for any pandemic situation not just Swine Flu

NPFS – How Does It Work? Web Based Solution developed from an agreed Clinical Based Algorithm Patients access the system On-Line or by Telephone GPs can also access the system On-Line Assesses Symptomatic Patients Where Appropriate Issues the Patient with an Authorisation Number for an Anti Viral Links to Collection Point System

NPFS – Where Are We Now? Interim solution developed in June and activated by England only Strategic Solution available by 1 October with enhanced functionality available by 21 October Programme of Testing ongoing Mobilisation within 7 days Call Centre contracts in place to secure up to 10k seats

NPFS – Issues To Be Resolved? When to activate the system in Northern Ireland Expiry period for Anti Viral Authorisation Numbers Patient Identification and Validation Updating Patient Records Contract with NHS Direct to manage the service on our behalf MOU between the 4 UK Health Departments Indemnity