MEDIA RELEASE (28th July 2009)Riverina Prepared for Swine Flu  General Practitioners from across the Riverina Division of General Practice and Primary Health have participated in a series of recent Swine Flu update sessions with the Director of the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Emergency Department, Dr Shane Curran. The Division’s Chief Executive Officer, Nancye Piercy, said the sessions had been arranged to keep both Wagga and GPs in surrounding communities well informed of how the Pandemic was progressing and what measures needed to be in place to prepare for a possible surge in the local area over the coming weeks. Simple infection control practices such as coughing or sneezing into a tissue and regular hand washing are very effective in limiting the spread of infection. Many general practices are implementing strategies to prevent the spread of flu such as screening patients when they phone for an appointment and providing face masks while patients wait to see the GP. “It is now commonplace for patients with flu symptoms to be asked to wait in an isolation area to protect others that may be at risk of serious illness”, said Mrs Piercy. “The Division is working with GPs and Greater Southern Area Health Service to collect surveillance data on the number of flu presentations each day in Wagga to predict trends that will help develop a city wide response to managing any increase in the number of cases. “Free supplies of antiviral medication from the National Stockpile are readily available to general practices and the data being collected will help ensure plenty is held in stock. “Early treatment is important and any one with a fever and cough or sore throat should phone their general practice for further advice,” Mrs Piercy said. ---- ENDS ---- For further information please contact:
Jenny Permezel, Manager Practice Support Programs, Riverina Division of General Practice & Primary Health
Phone: 6923 3110 or Email:
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