Ministerial statement to the assembly on swine flu

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today updated the NI Assembly on the current swine influenza situation.

Speaking in the Assembly, the Minister said: “Mr Speaker, with your leave I wish to make a statement to the House on the current position in relation to swine flu. I wish to report to the Assembly that the World Health Organisation has changed the threat level for swine influenza from Phase 3 to Phase 4. This has occurred as a result of the evolving global situation and spread of cases of swine influenza.

“WHO Phase 4 means that there is evidence of increased human to human transmission. It also indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is inevitable.

“Given the concern about this development, my Department and the Public Health Agency are monitoring this situation extremely closely in order to assess the implications for public health in Northern Ireland.

“Very close liaison continues with the UK Health Protection Agency and UK Government Departments, particularly Cabinet Office and the Department of Health and also the Department of Health and Children in Dublin.

“Yesterday I took part in the UK Ministerial Civil Contingencies Committee which was chaired by Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnston and involved input from all the devolved ministers. Following this statement, I intend to participate in a further meeting of this group. I also held extensive discussions with my chief professional advisors and briefed First and Deputy First Minister. Clearly this is an issue which cuts across all departments and I will update Executive colleagues on a regular basis. I have also spoken to Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children in Republic Of Ireland.

“Northern Ireland has robust plans in place for this development. I have issued contingency plans for hospitals, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Social Care. I have also issued urgent advice to GPs and hospital clinicians over the last few days and will continue update them as the situation evolves.

“We will continue to ensure we are prepared and to ensure that the public is protected to the maximum level possible.

“Northern Ireland has stockpiles of antivirals for a worst case scenario which will cover 50% of the population. Current evidence suggests that, other than in Mexico, the cases to date have had a mild flu-like illness which responds well to the antivirals we have stockpiled.

• “My Department will now put into place a number of steps to maintain our own vigilance and responsiveness. This will include:
• Advising the public on the public health risk and measures they need to take in preparation for a potential pandemic, including information leaflets for every household and an advertising campaign which are currently being finalised.
• Continuing to advise health professionals on identifying and managing suspected cases.
• Reviewing and refining regional policies and pandemic management arrangements.

“I would again reiterate the simple but very effective things that everyone can do in these circumstances. Influenza spreads easily from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads through hand to face contact if hands are contaminated.

“Therefore, good hygiene practices, frequent handwashing, and tissues to cover mouth and nose for coughs and sneezes will be the single most effective thing people can do to protect themselves.

“Individuals should listen carefully to government advice which will be made available via the media and distributed on printed material.

“People should consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website if they are considering travelling to any affected areas and their current advice is against all but essential travel to Mexico. Information and advice for travellers will be available at all airports and ports. Our enhanced monitoring and reporting will identify people with symptoms who need to be investigated further.

“At this point in time no confirmed cases of swine flu have been found in Northern Ireland.

“As the Chief Medical Officer has already said however, we should expect that there will be cases in due course.

"The Government has already prepared detailed plans and procedures to ensure that the country will be able to deal with cases of swine influenza. GPs across the country have been notified and made aware of the symptoms and what to do if they suspect a patient has pandemic flu. Hospitals are well prepared and have specific plans to deal with a pandemic. We have stocks of antiviral which will be used to treat all those who become ill.

"Mr Speaker, I trust members will understand that as a result of these exceptional circumstances, I will be unable to respond to debates scheduled for today. It is essential that I participate in a number of important planning meetings in regard to this serious public health threat. I would however be pleased to respond to any issues members may have in regard to the debates if they write to me on this matter.

"Thank you."

Notes to editors:

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