Exercise Triple Check

Exercise Triple Check

The exercise, involving local authorities, health, emergency services and the Staffordshire Civil Contingencies Unit, successfully tested how well Staffordshire is prepared to cope with a major Swine Flu outbreak.

Delegates took part in a series of intensive exercises using very realistic scenarios relating to the Swine Flu, which tested all the plans and preparations that have been made to protect, inform and direct the general public in Staffordshire including the most vulnerable groups.

Facilitated by the Civil Contingencies Unit, who are a team of local specialists, delegates were split into three groups covering each of the Primary Care Trust areas in the county - North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and South Staffordshire.

Andy Marshall, Staffordshire's Director of Civil Contingencies said: "This was a very positive step forward in ensuring that Staffordshire's service providers are fully prepared for this type of flu and it was useful to see how our plans transferred into reality.

"Given the complex planning operation, which involves multiple partners including primary care trusts, major hospitals, combined health trusts, local authorities and three emergency services, all the organisations involved are now enhancing further their plans and actions, which will be implemented in the event of the escalation."

Judith Wright , Director of Public Health, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust said: "This exercise effectively looked at how we prepare for an outbreak, how we cope with problems at their peak and how we return services back to normal once problems begin to ease.

"The need to protect the public is the priority of all the partners but there are simple steps that everyone can take now to help prevent catching colds and flu based on good respiratory and hand hygiene.  Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands."

Further exercises involving partners across Staffordshire will continue to be held over the next few months as the situation develops.

Most importantly, if you have flu like symptoms, stay at home and call your GP or NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47.  Further information is also available on NHS Direct Online - www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. 

Editors Note:

Our advice to the public remains the same:

If anyone is worried, they can call the swine flu information line on 0800-1513-513. If a person has flu like symptoms they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 08454647 or phone their GP.

Everyone can do their bit to ensure that they stop the spread of all infections by making sure that they and their children/pupils following good hygiene measures: 

• cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• maintain good basic hygiene - wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
• clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product

The 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it' slogan is an easy way to remember to act to stop the spread of germs.

CATCH IT Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

BIN IT Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible KILL IT Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can. 

Nigel Lucas, Head of Communications

NHS North Staffordshire