SWINE FLU: Drug collection points set up (From Oxford Mail)

SWINE FLU: Drug collection points set up

7:00am Saturday 18th July 2009 in

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HEALTH chiefs said last night they had opened two emergency points in Oxfordshire to dish out swine flu drugs.

Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust yesterday opened its first anti-viral collection point (ACP) at Oxford Town Hall.

A second one will open at Woodgreen Leisure Centre, in Banbury, on Monday.

The centres are aimed at easing the pressure on local health services by helping with the distribution of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu and will be open daily between 10.30am and 4.30pm until further notice.

People diagnosed with swine flu are also being advised to ask a ‘flu friend’ – a relative, friend or neighbour – to collect medication on their behalf to prevent the spread of the disease.

So far, 26 people in England have died after contracting the disease.

Trust director of service redesign Alan Webb said Tamiflu was not a cure but helped ease symptoms and reduced the spread of the disease.

However, he stressed how it was important for people to understand no-one with swine flu or flu like symptoms should go directly to an ACP, to their GP or to any hospital.

He said: “It is important people do not just turn up at ACPs as they will not be able to receive medication without the proper referrals and risk further spreading the infection.

“People should also establish a network of relatives, neighbours or friends to collect anti-viral medication, food and supplies if you get swine flu, so that you do not have to leave home.

“As anticipated the need for anti-viral treatment has increased. Our services and staff are coping very well with the greater pressures that they are now inevitably experiencing.”

It is not known how many people in the county have swine flu. More ACPs will be opened as necessary depending on the number of residents diagnosed with it.

The Health Protection Agency has ordered GPs to diagnose cases on the basis of clinical observation rather than laboratory testing.

Everyone who has flu-like symptoms is assessed by a doctor and if diagnosed with swine flu offered an anti-viral medicine.

Up to 35 per cent of Oxfordshire’s population of 635,000 could contract the illness.

Dr Shakiba Habibula, the trust’s assistant director of public health, said: “We are prepared for 40,000 cases a week at the peak time. There is no need to worry.

“We have good stocks of Tamiflu and the first stocks of vaccinations are expected to become available in August.

“We are prepared to respond to every eventuality.”

For the latest information on swine flu, visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0800 151 3513.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk