On 11th June 2009 the World Health Organisation announced the first influenza pandemic of the 21st Century. From its origin in Mexico the disease has spread rapidly around the world. By the start of August 2009 the UK had the third highest reported number of laboratory confirmed cases in the world (after Mexico and the USA). During the early summer months the evolving pandemic stretched NHS services, particularly in Birmingham which was at the epicentre of the first wave of swine flu.
At Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) we have further developed our plans and state of readiness over the summer to be prepared for the second wave of swine flu that is likely to present in the autumn and winter months of 2009.
Within BSMHFT we have rewritten our Pandemic Flu Plan to reflect our response to Swine Flu and we have tested our planning assumptions with clinical divisions in corporate teams and participated in events across the health economy. We have agreed a vaccination plan, improved and updated our information leaflets and posters, and have identified how we will provide enhanced care to any inpatients affected by swine flu. Our human resources plans to manage with any staffing shortfalls are also ready.
To accompany the plan we have also agreed a Pandemic Flu Policy with detailed guidance to patients and staff. Our communications systems within the health economy are also well established.
Our Board made a declaration in the meeting on 30, September 2009 confirming that we are prepared for the forthcoming second wave of swine flu. Please see below for a copy of our Board Assurance report.
Ros Alstead Peter Lewis
Director of Nursing Medical Director
