Concern over flu drug collection points

THE Government has come under renewed fire over its handling of swine flu — after it was revealed there is just one collection point for anti-viral drugs in Oldham.

Figures released by the Department of Health show discrepancies in number of collection points across the country. The Tories claim there is no direct link between the number of reported cases of swine flu and the number of centres set up to hand out Tamiflu or Relenza.

The Oldham collection point is Cannon Street health centre and is open from 9am to 8pm.

Shadow Health Minister, Stephen O’Brien said: “It is understandable that the number of collection points in each Primary Care Trust will vary according to how rural an area is and how many cases of swine flu there are locally. However, the number of collection points available in many areas still seems surprisingly low.”

But the Department of Health said the number of centres was changing every day based on needs of individual areas.

A spokesman said: “People in need of antivirals are able to get them quickly and conveniently and it is freeing up GPs to look after patients in risk groups as well as those with other illnesses.”

A 24-hour helpline has also been set up by Oldham health chiefs. Shauna Dixon, director of clinical leadership for NHS Oldham, said: “We are urging people not to go to the antiviral collection centre in Oldham if they have symptoms, to help avoid the spread of swine flu.

“The recorded information line is part of our efforts to ensure local people know where to get advice and how to get access to antivirals — by asking a flu friend to go to the collection point for them.”

The Oldham hotline is 0800 015 2157.