Wednesday 9 September 2009
Keighley’s anti viral collection point to close until further notice
Keighley’s anti viral collection point (ACP) is closing from Monday (14 September) due to a low number of flu friends visiting to get anti viral medicines for people who have been confirmed as having swine flu.
The closure of the anti viral collection point at Keighley Leisure centre, Keighley, BD21 3JN, will be under constant review by health chiefs at NHS Bradford and Airedale and the centre will re-open when there is sufficient demand.
Flu friends will be asked to visit the alternative anti viral collection point at Richard Dunn Sports centre at Rooley Avenue, Bradford, BD6 1EZ instead, until further notice.
Help will be provided for anyone who lives in Airedale and has problems traveling to Bradford.
Dr Anita Sims, director of public health for Bradford and Airedale said: “We have decided to close the anti viral collection point in Keighley as we have been closely monitoring the number of visitors and these have been very low over the past fortnight.
“However, we will continue to keep a close watch on the situation and if it changes, we would re-open the centre.
“Everyone who has the virus will be offered anti virals if they need them. However, many people will be able to recover from swine flu by simply using cold and flu medication from their pharmacist.”
People living in Bradford and Airedale should continue to use the National Pandemic Flu Service as their first port of call for help if they are worried they may have swine flu. They can either answer questions online via the new website, or ring the call centre service, where trained staff will be able to assess them over the phone.
Anyone diagnosed as having swine flu and offered anti virals through the service will be given an authorisation number. This will be used by their ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – to pick up their anti virals on their behalf from the anti viral collection point in Bradford (open 1pm – 7pm Mondays – Fridays and 1pm – 5pm weekends)
It is particularly important for people with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women to use the new service as soon as they have symptoms. Parents with children under one year should call their GP if their child has symptoms as soon as possible.
If people think they have Swine Flu or flu-like illness, they should stay at home and not visit their GP or A&E. They should:
Go online and check their symptoms on www.nhs.uk
Go online for help or information at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
Call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513
Call the Swine Flu Treatment Line on 0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200 (textphone) or go to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
People are being urged to focus on good hygiene to limit the spread of infection. Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues in a bin and wash hands properly with soap and water to kill germs.
NHS Bradford and Airedale
· NHS Bradford and Airedale is the new name for Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust (tPCT).
· NHS Bradford and Airedale is the local leader of health across the district. It is our job to make sure that healthcare is available for everyone who needs it. We work closely with local doctors, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, hospitals, social services, mental health and learning disability services, voluntary and community organisations to make sure the right services are in place to support the health and wellbeing of people living in the district.
· In addition NHS Bradford and Airedale carries out a wide-range of health promotion aimed at helping to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.
Bradford and Airedale Community Health Services
Bradford and Airedale Community Health Services is responsible for providing NHS services in Bradford and Airedale and is part of Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust.