Swine Flu

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past few days we have developed our plans for maintaining services for pwMND in response to public health concerns regarding swine flu.

We are tracking the situation carefully and putting in place precautionary measures to ensure we focus on supporting the immediate needs of pwMND and protect them, carers, volunteers and staff from unnecessary exposure to the risk of contracting swine flu.

You need to be aware of the following actions that we have taken. In addition I would urge you to take account of the risks the spread of the virus poses when taking local decisions.

Information for pwMND and their carers

Most importantly, we must ensure that anyone who thinks they may have contracted the virus is directed straight to the help they need.

We are signposting people to the NHS Choices website and NHS Direct helpline and its equivalent in Northern Ireland. We will also refer them to their GP or suggest they contact MND Connect who will give them the NHS advice.

We are regularly reviewing the latest health information from the Department of Health (DoH) and are updating our website as new information emerges.

A question and answer sheet for staff who have direct contact with pwMND and their carers has been developed. This seeks to answer what we anticipate will be frequently asked questions. Please see the document ‘Swine flu information for people with MND and their carer.’ Information for Branch, Groups and Volunteers

This fact sheet will also be published on our website.

Health of branch members and volunteers

We are naturally concerned with the health of branch members and volunteers. The information sheet referred to above also provides general guidance on how to minimise the risk of spreading the virus by adopting good hygiene practices.

Services for people with MND

In the event of staff absences owing to swine flu, we have identified the three essential services to maintain are MND Connect, Equipment Loan Service and Financial Support. If necessary, staff will be seconded from other teams to ensure these services are maintained at all times.

Advice for branches and groups on running events

The document, ‘Swine flu management: Information for branches, groups and volunteer,’ Information for Branch, Groups and Volunteers provides guidance about running events. Ultimately everyone needs to be mindful of the risk that swine flu poses to people with MND and their carers. Local meetings are important to people with MND so a balanced approach when deciding whether to hold a meeting or event is advised.

Events organised by national office

Public health advice to vulnerable people is to avoid large gatherings. The Board of Trustees has therefore endorsed the Directors’ recommendation that we cancel the Annual Conference and we have also decided to postpone the 30th Anniversary event with HRH The Princess Royal. It is a legal requirement to hold an AGM and this will therefore go ahead on 12 September. We are investigating the possibility of webcasting the event to offer as many people as possible the opportunity to view proceedings, albeit remotely.

Finally, we are aware that there are reports that some pwMND have already been affected. I urge everyone to do everything possible to minimise the risk of contracting or passing on the virus.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide you with updates as necessary.