Information and guidance on contingency planning for pandemic flu, based upon experiences in the NHS during the 2009 /10 outbreak of swine flu.
Staff vaccinations
Staff vaccination is an essential element of effective contingency planning. The NHS Employers organisation was asked by the Social Partnership Forum to take a leading role in the national seasonal flu campaign for NHS staff. Find out more on our Flu campaign webpages.
Pandemic flu HR guidance
In June 2008 the Department of Health and NHS Employers published guidance on the key human resource issues that would arise in the event of an outbreak of pandemic flu. This guidance covers preparations for a pandemic and what to do during a pandemic.
Model agreements
Model agreement for volunteers
NHS Employers has prepared a model agreement for volunteers/people helping in an honorary capacity for trusts to use during the pandemic flu outbreak.
Example of a memorandum of understanding for trusts sharing staff or deploying staff across organisations
As part of sustaining services during a pandemic, trusts may consider sharing staff or deploying staff across organisations. South East Coast strategic health authority has developed a memorandum of understanding for organisations considering this. In particular, it confirms the position in respect of indemnity insurance and other areas of concern for staff. NHS Employers has not not been involved in drawing it up but we are happy to share this as a resource.
Working Time Regulation opt-out
Sample waiver for employees who wish to opt-out of the 48 hour average working week to help support the NHS during a pandemic
