Welsh NHS will use GPs not pandemic flu service

The Welsh NHS will not be signing up to the National Pandemic Flu phone line, believing that GP diagnosis are preferable to over the phone advice.

Chairman of the British Medical Association’s GP Committee in Wales, Dr David Bailey said: “BMA Cymru Wales completely supports Wales’ Chief Medical Officer and the Welsh Assembly Government in their decision to opt out of the National Pandemic Flu service. I strongly believe that patients want diagnoses of whatever their illness may be, made by clinicians, not call centres.

“GPs in Wales are adequately equipped to manage swine flu. Yes, myself and colleagues have in previous weeks been working harder, but we have just proved how we can step up to the mark when necessary and that we can deliver and will continue to deliver extremely good levels of patient care.

The Welsh NHS is urging the general public to remember good personal hygiene to help contain the spread of the flu in the coming winter months. It is hoped the majority of healthy people catching swine flu can manage the virus themselves without the need to see their GP.