Pandemic Puts Up Pressure ; but Nhs Officials Say Service Is Prepared West Is Ready for Swine Flu Outbreak Pressure Builds Up On Health Services - Operations Could Be Cancelled [Edition 2]

Summary

---

HOSPITALS may have to postpone minor operations to clear their wards, in a bid to cope with an expected surge in swine flu cases across the Westcountr y. And patients awaiting non-emergency surgery have been warned they could face up to a year of disruption as the spread of the virus puts increasing pressure on medical services in the coming months. Contingency plans in the region are being discussed as England's most senior doctor, Sir Liam Donaldson, warned 65,000 people in the UK could die from the deadly virus or 350 a day at its peak. The Chief Medical Officer has ordered the NHS to plan for this worst case scenario", although he stressed he was making assumptions not predictions.

The Government has announced that 29 people have already died in the UK after contracting the virus. Health officials in the Westcountr y. said they are expecting to have to free-up beds to make room for swine flu victims and this could include postponing minor surgery. Dr Gabriel Scally, regional director of public health, said: "If more people are admitted to hospital we will have to change the way in which routine work, such as minor operations, is carried out for beds to be available for people suffering from influenza." The number infected with swine flu is expected to increase heavily in the next few months, although Dr Scally said patients would be informed of any operation cancellations "days or even weeks in advance", as a greater picture of swine flu cases in the South West becomes clear. He added: "There is no doubt the NHS is already under pressure and we expect that to increase. Can it cope? Yes, but not to do all the things it can do at the moment."

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Pandemic Puts Up Pressure ; but Nhs Officials Say Service Is Prepared West Is Ready for Swine Flu Outbreak Pressure Builds Up On Health Services - Operations Could Be Cancelled [Edition 2]

There are also fears the peak tourist season could cause swine flu cases across the Westcountr y. to soar, with thousands visiting ...

See the full content of this document

---