NHS pressures from influenza-like illness and confirmed pandemic H1N1 (2009) influenza infections at the end of January 2010 were less than half what they were two weeks prior to the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) being switched on.
The Department of Health, in consultation with stakeholders, has decided to stand down the service from 11 February 2010. It can be restored in seven days, should it be needed again.
In his letter to the NHS on 27 January, Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson said it is extremely important that we do not allow the current low levels of influenza like illness and the stand down of the NPFS to lead to a sense of complacency. Read the letter on the Department of Health website.
Latest news
Our latest news page is regularly updated with the latest developments and information.
Staff vaccinations
Vaccination of staff continues to be a key part of the strategy to mitigate the impact of swine flu on the service and to protect vulnerable groups.
Staff vaccinations:
- protect patients especially those in high risk groups
- safeguard the families of staff especially those with school age children
- help maintain services by limiting the impact on individual staff and slowing spread to protect colleagues.
Vaccination will remain voluntary and there will be no sanctions on those that choose not to be vaccinated. Employers should, however, seek to support their local clinical leaders in persuading staff. Staff fears should be acknowledged and addressed through accurate information. The Department of Health has produced a range of communications resources for organisations and promotional materials for staff to help with this.
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 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
Information and a sample waiver for employees who wish to opt-out of the 48 hour average working week to help support the NHS during a pandemic
Health Protection Agency secondment arrangements
Guidance and sample documentation for the secondment of NHS staff to work at Health Protection Agency (HPA) Flu Response Centres.
Flu pandemic payments
Following successful negotiations, NHS Employers and the BMA's General Practitioners Committee (GPC) have reached agreement on payments to support the swine flu vaccination programme. This follows an earlier agreement on the maintenance of GMS practice resources in the event of an influenza pandemic
Further information
Please check the Department of Health homepage for the latest updates on the swine flu situation, information leaflets and further guidance. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also provides advice for employers on swine flu and the Health Protection Agency has further information.
The NHS Choices website has up-to-date news and information for the public.
A flu briefing is now also available on the NHS Confederation swine flu pages.
For information on the European response, see the NHS European Office web pages.