Health and Social Care Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response

This document provides guidance on operational aspects of pandemic response in the health and social care sectors. It should be read in conjunction with the UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy 2011. It reflects key changes set out in the strategy, incorporating lessons identified from the H1N1 (2009) influenza pandemic. Key changes include: - develop improved plans for the initial response to a new pandemic; - ensure a response that is proportionate to a range of scenarios; - allow for differences in the rate and pattern of spread of the disease across the country and internationally; - further explore statistical population-based surveillance, such as serology to measure the severity of a pandemic in its early stages; - take better account of information from behavioural scientists about how people are likely to think, feel and behave during an influenza pandemic, and - develop improved plans for managing the end of an influenza pandemic – the recovery phase. It reflects the structures and roles of the NHS and public health organisations in England during the transition period and will need updating to reflect the new structures post 2013. Cross reference with 'The UK Influenza Preparedness Strategy 2011' http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_130903