During the past 100 years there have been three pandemics: in 1918, 1957 and 1968. It is hard to predict when the next flu pandemic may occur. However, sufficient evidence exists to indicate that a future pandemic is likely to spread rapidly to all parts of the globe and cause sudden and sharp increases in illness over a matter of weeks. A pandemic could, therefore, rapidly overwhelm health and other services such as transport, education, and local government. The overall impact is likely to be even more far reaching, affecting daily life, business and consequently national and global economies.
The Spanish Flu in 1918 caused in excess of 20 million deaths worldwide, with the greatest number being between the ages of 20 and 50. During the 1957 pandemic, in Liverpool hospitals, 12 to 19 per cent of nurses were absent during the first four weeks of the pandemic. In one hospital, nearly a third of nurses were absent at its peak. This demonstrates the need for Care UK to have contingency plans to deal with staff absenteeism to maintain core services during a pandemic.
As there is likely to be little warning, good planning is essential. Plans are needed to establish contingency arrangements and improve our preparedness, so that we are in the best possible position to manage an emergency on such a scale and reduce its impact. Disruption is likely to be less if people know what to expect, what to do and have had time to think through the consequences for themselves, their families, communities and organisations.
For more information please see The Care UK Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan Document.
