Swine flu: Demand for advice increases
A Newark GP said her surgery had been swamped by the number of people telephoning about swine flu.
Dr Jane Selwyn, of The Fountain Medical Centre, Sherwood Avenue, said they were following all the recommended guidelines and measures were in place.
Other surgeries are experiencing similar pressures.
The practice manager at Barnbygate Surgery, Miss Sally Dixon, said: “We have been getting a lot of inquiries over the phone. This week it’s been really picking up. Most people are looking for advice.
“We are asking patients to call the surgery if they think they have swine flu and a doctor will ring them back.”
The practice director at Lombard Street Surgeries, Mrs Diana Kirk, said they had experienced a significant rise in requests for telephone advice, and the number of suspected cases was going up daily.
“There are local contingency plans in place and we are part of a buddying group of Newark GPs who will work together should the need arise, to serve the whole of the Newark community,” she said.
Nottinghamshire County Council is advising schools to try to stay open, to keep parents informed, and to pass on any advice from the Health Protection Agency.
A spokesman said if a child became ill or developed symptoms they should be kept at home and their GP contacted. Parents should let the school know. If a child became ill at school, parents or carers should collect them.
There have been seven suspected cases at Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Kelham Hall headquarters.
The council’s chief executive, Mr Andrew Muter, said: “There are two cases where staff have been diagnosed as probably having swine flu and another five suggested cases.
“Now the country has moved from the containment phase to the treatment phase, individuals won’t be tested for swine flu so it will be difficult to record exact numbers.”
Plans are in place to ensure council services continue in the event of a pandemic.
A suspected case at Claypole Primary School was ruled out and the pupil has returned to lessons.
