Issue - decisions

Received a report from the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services on the preparations for a possible flu pandemic in the Borough. 

A joint Plan has been developed by the Council, NHS Barking and Dagenham, the Police, Fire Service and voluntary agencies and further extensive work has been undertaken to ensure that the Council is in the best possible position to deliver critical services to the local community.

During the discussions it was noted that:

• The second wave of the virus is expected to reach a peak during mid October, with predictions suggesting that up to 30% of the population may be affected;
• There are a lack of robust arrangements within the Health Service to deal with cases of critically ill children;
• Whilst there are longstanding principles in place in relation to local authorities being reimbursed for costs incurred in dealing with extreme events, the precise arrangements for an imminent flu pandemic have not been settled;
• The provision of critical and non-critical services will be considered in the light of the effects of increase in demand for certain services and reduced staffing levels due to staff contracting the virus.

Agreed, in order to ensure the ongoing delivery of critical services in the event of a flu pandemic:

(i)  The Critical Services list as set out in section 2.1 of the report, and those service areas where services may be curtailed in the short term if additional resources are required to support Critical Services as shown in section 2.3; and

(ii)  That all Members of the Council be advised as soon as practicable in the event that anti-viral medication is being distributed in the Borough.