A new collection point for swine flu anti-viral medication has opened in Burntwood.
The exact location of the collection point has not been confirmed, but South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) said it was one of nine new sites based at community pharmacies across region.
Other areas to get new Antiviral Collection Points (ACPs) are Stone, Wombourne, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Tutbury, Tamworth, Cannock and Burton upon Trent. This brings the total number of ACPs in South Staffordshire to 15.
John Wicks, Flu Director for South Staffordshire PCT said:
“We are constantly reviewing our response to Swine Flu to ensure that we are protecting our local population and feel that it is now appropriate to open additional ACPs in the South Staffordshire PCT area. Patients who suspect they have swine flu should not go directly to the antiviral collection point, they should stay at home, check symptoms on www.nhs.uk if possible, call the Swine Flu Information line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice or the National Flu Service line on 0800 1 513 100.
“The National Flu Service will assess patients and if required will issue a unique reference number/authorisation number to enable your ‘flu friend’ – who could be a relative, neighbour or friend, to obtain the medicines from the antiviral collection point. This is with the exception of children under one year who must be seen by a GP and patients with renal failure/other risks.”
Mr Wicks added that patients needed to follow a series of guidelines should they need to recieve medicine from one of the points.
He explained:
“Patients are asked to provide their ‘flu friend’ with a form of identification which they should show when they collect medication. Suitable ID includes a passport, full driving licence, paid utility bill or similar. Your ‘flu friend’ will also be asked for identification. For most people this is a mild illness and you should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to your GP or A & E Department.”
