Swine flu chief looks like ghost, says colleague (From Worcester News)

Swine flu chief looks like ghost, says colleague

2:40pm Friday 10th July 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

A HEALTH boss is working so hard to tackle swine flu that he looks like he has the virus himself, says a colleague.

Dr Richard Harling, director of public health, has been leading efforts to contain and treat swine flu in Worcestershire.

Dr Bryan Smith, chairman of NHS Worcestershire, publically thanked Dr Harling and his team for their efforts during the pandemic which has now claimed eight lives nationally.

Dr Smith, speaking at an NHS Worcestershire board meeting at County Hall, said: “I have been in on occasions where Dr Harling has looked like a ghost.

“He has been working so hard he looks like he has swine flu himself.”

We have already reported in your Worcester News how cases of swine flu are set to rise from about 100 a day in Worcestershire to 1,000 a day by the end of August.

The county has now moved from the containment phase to treatment phase which means the virus is widespread in the community and it is no longer possible to stop it spreading.

Dr Harling said predictions showed that cases of the virus would build through August and tail off towards the middle of winter.

Dr Harling warned that even though the symptoms were mild, the pandemic would have a significant impact on the health service in Worcestershire.

Staff as well as patients can fall ill which can have an impact on the service provided at hospitals and GP surgeries.

Dr Harling, admitted that the system of managing swine flu, was “command and control”, with orders coming direct from the cabinet.

He said: “We can expect an impact on the health service at all levels.

“It may be pressure on all parts of the health service and this pressure may be intense and sustained.

“There are plans to scale back routine services to maintain more essential services.”

The national debate continues on whether Tamiflu should be given to all people displaying symptoms or at risk groups which include children under the age of five, over 65s, pregnant women or those with chronic conditions such as heart or lung problems.

The policy remains for people to phone their GP or NHS Direct if they have symptoms.

There are now 12 pharmacies across Worcestershire which can dispense antivirals to “flu friends” – friends or family members who pick up medication on behalf of someone who is ill with the virus.