Influenza Pandemic (Cheadle)

Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 23 June 2009.

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Photo of Mark Hunter Mark Hunter Shadow Transport Minister; Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader, Shadow Minister (Transport) 2:30, 23 June 2009

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of implementation of the pandemic influenza response strategy in Cheadle constituency.

Photo of Gillian Merron Gillian Merron Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health

To date, we are not aware of any specific issues in relation to swine flu infection in either Cheadle or Stockport as a whole. The strategic health authority is keeping the situation under review and we will respond to any outbreaks in line with the national response.

Photo of Mark Hunter Mark Hunter Shadow Transport Minister; Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader, Shadow Minister (Transport)

I am grateful for the Minister's answer. The Secretary of State confirmed earlier that the national flu hotline is in fact running six months behind schedule and will not now be available until October. In the circumstances, can the Minister reassure my constituents about the interim arrangements, and say whether the system will be able to cope satisfactorily with the expected influx of new cases later this year?

Photo of Gillian Merron Gillian Merron Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health

I can indeed give that reassurance. In the north-west, there are just 43 confirmed cases to contend with. Of course, the discussion earlier was about a national flu line, but I can give the reassurance that, should it be needed, the interim flu line will be available for the hon. Gentleman's constituents—and, indeed, for constituents anywhere else across the country. However, should there be a need for a local response, we are working carefully and closely with local health services.