Flu pandemic
July 2009
Responding to swine flu
Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO)
declared swine flu as a pandemic on 11
June, recognising its spread globally.
On 2 July , the Department of Health
(DH) moved from a ‘containment’ phase
to a ‘treatment’ phase, acknowledging
the spread of the virus within the UK.
By this stage, St George’s preparations to
respond to a flu epidemic were well
underway. The Trust has a Flu Pandemic
Plan within its existing policies. A Flu Core
Group of senior managers and clinicians,
which leads on monitoring the situation and
implementing this plan, was established in
May and has met regularly to ensure that
the hospital is prepared.
Background
The flu pandemic has been caused by a
new version of the swine flu virus called
influenza A/H1N1v.
Most cases in the UK have been mild.
However, some people are more at risk of
serious illness – people who are pregnant,
very young, over 65, with weak immune
systems or have long-term conditions such
as asthma or diabetes.
Symptoms of swine flu are sudden fever
(more than 38°C) along with two or more of
National Pandemic Flu
Service
A self-care service with online and
phone access was launched on 23
July. This enables people with
suspected swine flu to check their
symptoms, access antivirals if
required or receive advice about
symptom relief.
the following: a cough or shortness of
breath, a headache, sore throat, tiredness,
aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny
nose or loss of appetite.
What can people do to protect
themselves?
Help reduce transmission of viruses
including swine flu by:
• Covering your nose and mouth
when coughing or sneezing, using a
tissue when possible
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly
and carefully
• Maintaining good basic hygiene; eg,
washing hands frequently with soap
and water to reduce the spread of
the virus from your hands to face or
to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (eg door
handles) frequently using a normal
cleaning product
• Making sure your children follow
this advice

Informing staff
The Trust has sent out regular updates by
email to Trust staff and information is also
published on the intranet.
The advice available includes guidance to
staff about managing patients with
suspected swine flu which has been
regularly updated in line with guidance from
the Health Protection Agency and DH.
Staff have also been reminded about
infection control procedures from basic
personal hygiene, such as washing hands,
through to the measures required of staff
caring for swine flu patients.
Informing the public
Information about swine flu has been
published on the Trust website and on
posters in the hospital since May. This has
been regularly updated in line with DH
guidance.
One consistent message has been for
people not to come to A&E if they think
they have swine flu, as most will
experience only mild illness. The Trust has
ensured hospital visitors have up-to-date
information on who to contact to get
appropriate advice and treatment, and has
been liaising with NHS Wandsworth so
patients who need hospital care are quickly
admitted.
Current situation
St George’s is responding well to the swine
Published by the Communications Unit at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust.
Tel: 020 8725 5151 Email: communications@stgeorges.nhs.uk Website: www.stgeorges.nhs.uk
flu pandemic. The hospital is admitting
small numbers of patients and stays have
been short. A&E is experiencing pressure
from the additional numbers of people
attending with concerns about swine flu.
A leaflet has been developed to explain to
people whose symptoms indicate they
have swine flu what steps to take to obtain
antiviral treatment. The majority of patients
are being directed back to primary care.
Summary
The swine flu epidemic is a rapidly
changing situation. St George’s has in
place a Flu Core Group to implement
existing planning, and receive, analyse
and act on the latest information available.
It also has ways to disseminate information
to its staff and the public.
About St George’s
St George's Healthcare NHS Trust is one
of the country's largest teaching hospitals,
treating more than 500,000 patients every
year in south west London. The Trust has
an established national reputation as a
leading hospital for specialist care
including neurology, cardiac care, stroke
and cancer.
St George’s also provides excellent care in
areas such as accident and emergency,
maternity services and care for older
people and children. The Trust’s vision is
to be the hospital of choice for all its
patients, whether they are local people or
those from further away who use its
specialist services.