Lords ‘concerned’ about delays to NHS helpline

A House of Lords report today warned of "significant concerns" over the Government's handling of the swine flu crisis.

It has ordered ministers to explain why the launch of a flu helpline designed to ease pressure on GPs was delayed.

"While the Government has got some things right in preparing for a flu pandemic, such as the stockpiling of anti-virals, there are other areas where we appear to be under prepared," said Lord Sutherland, chairman of the House of Lords science and technology committee. He added: "We are particularly concerned that the enhanced' NPFS or flu line' is not fully operational and there seems to be a lack of clarity about how the interim' flu line will interact with NHS Direct."

The report also demands clarity on how intensive and critical care facilities would be used if a second, more dangerous wave of flu hits in the autumn.

But Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said today: "Overall the Department of Health has done very well. I think it is the individual hospitals where there is some work to be done. There has been a lack of communication."