Pandemic update

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 is the very catchy name that swine flu now goes by. I've been tracking developments with the current outbreak and believe our level of response at this time is appropriate. It's important to keep in mind that we've only had one confirmed case in the region. What this means is that we are still in the phase where health officials are still trying to stop the spread of the virus in our community. This is different to the main centres where community transmission is happening.

The Welfare Advisory Group met last week and have also just received national guidance on welfare assistance for this pandemic. We're not expecting things to be overwhelming on the welfare front if the virus continues to behave as it is. We've also been circulating NHCC and other updates via Groove to Group members and the occasional e-mail to our distribution list. I've also started attending the MidCentral DHB briefings on a more regular basis.

We did have a little bit of a flurry in the office this week as a contact of a possible case was sent home showing flu like symptoms. We've cracked open the pandemic kits and have further promoted good practice to minimise the risks for our staff and visitors.

So, we'll keep monitoring the situation and if necessary ramp up our response either in support of the health efforts or for co-ordinating welfare assistance.