Swine flu centres are set for launch (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford collection centre is closing and will be replaced by three points across district

5:20am Monday 11th January 2010 in News By Claire Lomax

Helen Hirst, director of primary care at NHS Bradford and Airedale

Bradford’s central swine flu antiviral collection point is closed from today as health chiefs open three new centres to give cross-district coverage as demand for treatment declines.

The new services at pharmacies open today at Tesco Pharmacy, Halifax Road; Rowlands Pharmacy, Shipley Health Centre, Alexandra Road; and Boots in Unit 3 of the Forster Square Retail Park.

They will replace the central collection point at the local NHS headquarters at Douglas Mill, Bowling Old Lane in Bradford which remains open to Friday. This will bring the total number of pharmacies operating as collection points up to five across the district The collection centres are open to ‘flu friends’ – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – to pick up antiviral medicines for people who are confirmed as having swine flu.

These patients will have either contacted the national pandemic flu service and been issued a unique access number, or have had antivirals prescribed by their GP.

Helen Hirst, director of primary care at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “The number of people needing antiviral medication has been reducing in recent weeks. As a result, it is no longer cost-effective for us to run a central antiviral collection point.”

Chris Rainford, pharmacist at Rowlands Pharmacy in Shipley, said: “I am pleased to help NHS Bradford and Airedale provide this service to those in need in the Bradford area.”

Catherine Hefferman, public health consultant, NHS Bradford and Airedale said: “For the vast majority of people, swine flu has been mild.

“Some people find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over the counter flu medication, others need extra help from antiviral medicine.”

If people are concerned about swine flu and want advice, they should stay at home and call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 (0800 1 513 200 textphone) or going on-line to direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

If swine flu is confirmed, a unique access number and information on the nearest antiviral collection point (ACP) will be provided.