Website of the Department of Health

Feedback from all levels has indicated that the exercise was helpful in checking and validating plans and communication channels. Action is already underway to ensure that lessons identified are used to review and revise plans and procedures. This includes the National Framework, due to be published in October, and issues where other Government departments will take the lead.

The Department of Health is taking work forward in:

Communications

• improving the linkages between established local and regional resilience structures and their equivalents in the NHS;
• reviewing the process of the collection and collation of daily reports in to the centre, together with clarity of the consistent use of data in describing the evolution of the pandemic;
• refining the messages and engaging the public. Messages will develop as the pandemic progresses;
• giving clearer advice to the public on the use of antiviral drugs, facemasks and other measures and on the stocking of home supplies.

Science advice – a review of the scientific evidence base for pandemic preparedness planning and clarifying the role of the Department of Health Science Advisory Group during a pandemic.

Demand for countermeasures – work on the management of the surge in demand for medical supplies such as masks and antibiotics, and the arrangements for access and distribution to the public of antiviral drugs.

Human resources – the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is working on arrangements for sickness certification and the payment of benefits during a pandemic.  The Department of Health is exploring ways of sharing best practice on workforce guidance.