Epsom and St Helier health trust prepares swine flu second wave (From Kingston Guardian)

Epsom and St Helier health trust prepares swine flu second wave

7:10am Thursday 8th October 2009

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A health trust has appointed two directors to prepare for a possible winter outbreak of swine flu.

Epsom and St Helier Trust chose Philippa Fieldhouse, deputy director of operations and Julie Sobrattee, deputy director of nursing, to be in charge of the trust’s planning for the winter ahead.

Mrs Fieldhouse said: “Predicting the spread of viruses, like flu, isn’t easy.

"So far, both nationally and locally, we haven’t seen a surge of patients admitted to hospital with flu.

“But, like all acute hospitals, we’re working closely with the Department of Health, the Health Protection Agency, our strategic health authority, NHS London, and other local NHS organisations to prepare for the weeks and months ahead.

“We’ve already put a raft of measures in place to make sure we are ready if there is an increase in the number of patients attending our hospitals with swine flu, including working out how certain areas could be used solely for suspected flu patients if necessary.

“We’re also assessing how we would manage if there was an increase in the amount of staff off sick or at home caring for sick children or other relatives.”

Both directors are leading a team of staff from all the trust’s hospitals as they prepare for the rising numbers of swine flu sufferers.

Mrs Sobrattee emphasises the role that the public have to play, including following the basic principles of good respiratory and hand hygiene.

She said: “One of the simplest ways to prevent and control the spread of swine flu is to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.

"People should also dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully and maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water.”

Combined, Julie and Philippa have worked in the NHS over 30 years, with nine of those spent at the trust.

For more information about swine flu visit the NHS Direct website, nhsdirect.nhs.uk, or call the flu information line on National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100.

• See our swine flu section for the latest updates

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