Important Londonwide CEO message number 10 - 10 July 2009

Common sense is at last beginning to appear in NHS media communications. Please see below the message currently being broadcast by London radio stations from NHS London. This comes very close to the messages I sent you on Tuesday which still stand. Based on your feedback via our flu@lmc.org.uk and other channels, in particular on the surge in consultations and phone demand, Londonwide LMCs’ communications team has been working hard to get local and national media coverage highlighting similar messages to the public. Please read the article in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph.

I will issue further information as the situation develops.

Radio announcement: reducing pressure on A&E

The below announcement from NHS London is being broadcast on London radio stations:

If you think you have Swine Flu, here’s some advice from the NHS in London.

For most people it’s a mild illness.

So you should stay at home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids, and you can take over-the-counter remedies to help relieve the symptoms.

You should feel better after a few days without needing to visit your GP or A&E.

But you should talk to your doctor if you think you have swine flu and are pregnant, very young, over 65, or have long-term conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

You can check your symptoms or find out what to do if you are feeling very unwell at www.nhs.uk or by calling 0800 1 513 513.