Gov't announces strategy to improve pandemic response

A strategy to ensure that the UK is among the best prepared countries in the world for a pandemic has been launched today by the Department of Health.

The plan has been developed in consultation with a range of medical and social care professions and aims to increase flexibility and communication in the event of a pandemic.

Reforms have been triggered by the outbreak of swine flu last year.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley stated: "Good communications, strong preparations and close working with our health and social care professions are key to ensuring the impact on services and to the public is kept to a minimum should a pandemic occur."

Under the new strategy the nature and scale of the pandemic will be considered, in addition to healthcare delivery and response, the impact on the wider society and public messages.

It is hoped that the new strategy will improve NHS and government response if a pandemic breaks out.

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