Health

As you would expect, the Department of Health and its associated agencies, the NHS and the Health Protection Agency (HPA), take the lead in planning for and responding to any major health emergency. These agencies are supported by emergency planners at a local level to help safeguard the public.

The Hospital Trusts and Primary Care Trust in Norfolk and the East of England Ambulance Service have a wealth of expertise, which is used daily to deliver the services expected by the public. Each Trust has its own emergency plan which identifies key people who, in a major incident, would be called together to identify the problems and make sure an effective response was organised by the hospitals and community services. These plans are regularly tested and updated.

The Health Protection Agency provides expert advice, including specialist emergency planning advice to Department of Health and at all levels of the NHS. They also provide resources and support at multi-agency strategic coordination groups during an emergency, and provide training and exercising in the health emergency response on behalf of the Department of Health.

Advice and information on the potential type of health emergencies are detailed below:

Climate change means heatwaves are to become more common in England. By the 2080's, it is predicted that an event similar to that experienced in England in 2003 will happen every year.

Each year the Department of Health work with the Met Office on Heat Health Watch.

From the 1st June to the 15th September this system operates, based on the Met Office forecasts, which will trigger levels of response from Health and Social Care providers.

Key messages during a heatwave:

• Keep out of the heat by planning your day to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)
• Stay cool by staying inside, in the coolest room drawing the curtains in very sunny rooms.
• Drink regularly, even if you are not thirsty, water or fruit juice is best; avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, as they cause dehydration.
• Seek Advice, from your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct if you are worried about your health especially if you are taking medication, or having any unusual symptoms.

 For more advice, see the heatwave advice leaflets below:

Heatwave - A guide to looking after yourself and others during hot weather

Heatwave - Advice for health and social care professionals

Heatwave - Advice for care home managers and staff

Heatwave - Plan for England

Influenza pandemics are natural phenomena that have occurred from time to time for centuries – including three times during the last century. They present a real and daunting challenge to the economic and social wellbeing of any country, as well as a serious risk to the health of its population.

There are important differences between 'ordinary' winter flu and pandemic flu. These differences explain why we regard pandemic flu as such a serious threat.

Pandemic influenza is one of the most severe natural challenges likely to affect the UK, but sensible and proportionate preparation and collective action by the Government, essential services, businesses, the media, other public, private and voluntary organizations and communities can help to mitigate its effects.

These inter-pandemic years provide a very important opportunity to develop and strengthen our preparations for the potentially devastating impact of an influenza pandemic, and the Government will continue to take every practical step to prepare for and mitigate its health and wider socio-economic effects.

The Department of Health is the lead department for planning for a human influenza pandemic. However, given the wide impacts of a pandemic all government departments are involved in planning to mitigate its impacts.

Local Emergency Planning teams are also involved and have put together plans for assisting local people in the event of a pandemic.

There is detailed guidance to enable businesses to plan for any potential disruption caused by a pandemic at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/pandemic-flu-work-placebusiness-guidance

and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) at
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/PandemicFlu/FAQonly/DH_065088