Website of the Department of Health

Pandemic influenza: guidance on preparing mental health services in England

This is generic guidance intended to assist in preparing for a pandemic whose nature and severity is unknown. Although much of the content remains relevant in the current swine flu pandemic, some aspects, particularly those relating to at risk groups and those intended to respond to higher levels of sickness and mortality may not be applicable to the current swine flu situation.  Therefore, the guidance should be read in conjunction with the latest swine flu UK planning assumptions and other specific swine flu guidance.

In particular, it should be noted that Department is also consulting on whether we need to make temporary changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 in exceptional circumstances during pandemic flu.

Specific swine flu Mental health services guidance will be coming shortly

• Mental Health Act 1983 Consultation