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Swine Flu Preparedness Workshop 17 September 2009 National Pandemic Flu Service John Farrell. NPFS – What Is It? UK-Wide System to support pandemic influenza in order to: Relieve the pressure on primary care services, particularly GPs Provide patients with rapid access to anti virals
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Swine Flu Preparedness Workshop 17 September 2009 National Pandemic Flu Service John Farrell
NPFS – What Is It? • UK-Wide System to support pandemic influenza in order to: • Relieve the pressure on primary care services, particularly GPs • Provide patients with rapid access to anti virals • Supplement surveillance information • Minister agreed in 2007 NI would join NPFS • Can be used for any pandemic situation not just Swine Flu
NPFS – How Does It Work? • Web Based Solution developed from an agreed Clinical Based Algorithm • Patients access the system On-Line or by Telephone • GPs can also access the system On-Line • Assesses Symptomatic Patients • Where Appropriate Issues the Patient with an Authorisation Number for an Anti Viral • Links to Collection Point System
NPFS – Where Are We Now? • Interim solution developed in June and activated by England only • Strategic Solution available by 1 October with enhanced functionality available by 21 October • Programme of Testing ongoing • Mobilisation within 7 days • Call Centre contracts in place to secure up to 10k “seats”
NPFS – Issues To Be Resolved? • When to activate the system in Northern Ireland • Expiry period for Anti Viral Authorisation Numbers • Patient Identification and Validation • Updating Patient Records • Contract with NHS Direct to manage the service on our behalf • MOU between the 4 UK Health Departments • Indemnity