Concern over NHS preparation for epidemics

Friday, 18 July 2003 12:00 AM

The NHS is poorly prepared to cope with a serious epidemic, such as Sars, according to a report.

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has claimed that key parts of the health service are underfunded and over-stretched.

The committee's report warned that it was only a matter of time before a serious infectious disease hits Britain and called for urgent funding, more doctors and a centre manufacturing vaccines against various illnesses to ensure Britain has adequate supplies in the event of an outbreak.

The inquiry follows the recent Sars outbreak in the Far East, which killed more than 800 people and infected thousands.

The report pointed to the increase in the number of cases of infections passed from animals to humans, including the common cold, measles and influenza as well as Aids, TB and meningitis.

The committee also warned of the potential dangers of a new virulent strain of influenza and bio-terrorism.

The cross party committee called for a new national strategy to prevent and control epidemics and recommended that experts in animal and human infection should work together closely to identify and monitor infections.

Committee chairman Lord Soulsby said: "We can never conquer infection, but we must be better equipped to fight it and to tackle infections like West Nile virus and Sars.

"Arrangements for formal collaboration between those involved in the fight against infection are poor and lines of accountability unclear.

"The Government should address this as a matter of urgency."

The report warns: "If this country were to experience a major outbreak of an infection the services may not be able to cope: there is not enough surge capacity.
"Without improvements, we fear that this country will suffer from major epidemics and will continue to see infectious diseases take its toll in economic terms, in suffering and in lives."

An estimated 70 infectious disease consultants work in the NHS, well below the number experts recommend.

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