National Pandemic Flu Service to close down

The Department of Health has decided to close down the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) as the flu pressure on the NHS subsides.

Responding to advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and following a significant decline in Swine Flu cases, from Thursday, February 11, people with flu-like symptoms will be directed to NHS Direct, their local pharmacist or their GP.

The NPFS has been hugely successful in easing pressure on primary care services during the busiest times of the pandemic since its launch in July 2009. However, it has now been decided that as the pressure has eased, the service is no longer required.

If you have any posters advertising the phone number or web address for the NPFS, please could you remove these and direct people to NHS Direct or their GP.