Pandemic
Alert status: we are currently at amber status. During the amber phase clergy should operate the highest possible hygiene levels, as outlined in diocesan protocols 1-4 (marked in green). This involves still using soap and hand gel before and during any celebration of the Eucharist.
The Pandemic is being monitored by the Diocesan Pandemic Advisory Group, chaired by the Bishop of Middleton. This group advises the diocese on when to release the pandemic protocols and which protocols need to be implemented in parishes.
Latest News
27 November 2009
In the light of continuing consultation with the Department of Health, and with updated information on the course of the Swine Flu pandemic, The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have advised that the normal administration of Holy Communion should resume.
The Diocesan Pandemic Advisory Group has advised the Diocese to move to amber alert. The common cup can be used and the peace can return during communion. However, clergy should continue to advise ‘at risk groups’ not to receive from the common cup and are free to return to red alert should their local circumstances demand it.
What does Amber alert involve?
1. During the amber phase clergy should operate the highest possible hygiene levels, as outlined in diocesan protocols 1-4 (marked in green). This involves still using soap and hand gel before and during any celebration of the Eucharist.
2. Parishes should continue to make preparations for a second wave as outlined in protocol 5 (marked in Amber).
The Diocesan Pandemic Advisory Group will continue to monitor the situation and, if the levels and seriousness of illness merit it, may trigger a higher state of alert across the Diocese.
Action to be taken by clergy
You should follow the guidence in the Manchester Diocesan Pandemic Protocols below.
Please check this website on a regular basis for updates and information. Also check your local media. If clergy have recently changed their email or do not currently receive enews then send your details to dmarshall@manchester.anglican.org
Training for deanery clergy visitors will be offered at local hospitals in the next few weeks so Area Deans who have still not forwarded their nominated clergy should do so to neil.gray@rbh.nhs.uk
Documents and links
You will need Adobe Reader to view these PDF files. Click here for a free download of the latest version of Adobe Reader. The leaflets are in Publisher format as well as PDF.
Diocesan Resources
Alert status: we are currently at amber status. During the amber phase clergy should operate the highest possible hygiene levels, as outlined in diocesan protocols 1-4 (marked in green). This involves still using soap and hand gel before and during any celebration of the Eucharist.
Flu protocol document
Click the link to view the Diocesan Pandemic Protocols. The first two pages consist of the latest operation note and protocols that should be in operation.
Posters
P1 For Vestry P2 Toilets & church hall P3 Public worship
Handwash with gel Handwash with soap
Leaflets
Q1 Quick guide for wardens, sidespeople and vergers publisher version
Q2 Quick guide for sacristans and servers publisher version
Q3 Quick guide to visiting homes and hospitals publisher version
Q4 Quick guide for worshippers (pew sheet) publisher version
Q5 Quick guide for the sick or housebound publisher version
Supplies
Hand gel - Try local supermarket for pocket gels ASDA 49 pence or the follwing suppliers www.hygieneandworkwear.co.uk Lyco, cutan
Gloves - www.hygieneandworkwear.co.uk Rajalack, medisave
Face mask - www.hygieneandworkwear.co.uk Medisave
Aprons - www.hygieneandworkwear.co.uk Medisave
General advice
Guidance for faith communities and local influenza pandemic committees.
The House of Bishops' guidance on Hygiene and the Chalice (still current).
Administration of Holy Communion during a Flu Pandemic
From the Bishop of Manchester
Letter from the Bishop of Manchester introducing the Flu Pandemic Protocols.
July 2009 Download letter
September 2009 CRUX column
Swine flu prayers and liturgy
General prayers
Heavenly Father,
giver of life and health:
comfort and restore those who are sick,
that they may be strengthened in their weakness
and have confidence in your unfailing love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Creator and Father of all,
we pray for those who are ill.
Bless them, and those who serve their needs,
that they may put their whole trust in you
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those who have contracted the virus
The almighty Lord,
who is a strong tower for all who put their trust in him,
whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth obey,
be now and evermore your defence.
May you believe and trust that the only name under heaven
given for health and salvation
is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
May our Lord Jesus Christ,
who healed the sick and brought comfort to those in need,
by his risen presence be with all who have contracted this virus,
take from them all that harms and hinders them,
and fill them with his healing and his peace.
Amen.
More prayers at www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/prayers
Department of Health Advice
Issued by the Department of Health on 2 July 2009
Why are we now moving to the Treatment phase and what does this mean in practice?
We have always been clear that, at some point, we will need to take the decision to move from containment to treatment across the UK. This will mean the NHS taking the lead as we establish national systems to deal with high numbers of Swine Flu cases. We have drawn on advice from leading scientists and health experts to inform our decision, and on 2 July all four UK administrations confirmed the decision to move to the Treatment phase. In practical terms, this will mean that across the country:
- GPs will be able to diagnose Swine Flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing.
- All contact tracing will now cease, and we will stop giving antiviral drugs to people who may have been exposed to the virus.
- Anyone who has contracted Swine Flu should continue to be offered antivirals until further notice.
- It will remain a matter for clinical discretion to decide whether antivirals should be prescribed in individual cases, where doctors are contacted by patients with coughs, colds and the worried well.
Local primary care trusts will also begin to establish designated antiviral collection points in their local communities. These may be at a pharmacy or a community centre, depending on local need.
What should people do if they think they have Swine Flu?
1. People should check their symptoms. They can do this by:
- visiting www.nhs.uk or by
- calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
2. If they still think they have Swine Flu, then people should call their local GP, who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone.
3. If Swine Flu is confirmed, the GP will give the patient an authorization voucher which their Flu Friend can then take to the designated local collection centre to pick up antivirals.
Which groups are at greatest risk from Swine Flu?
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch Swine Flu, and will need to start taking antivirals as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. We are still learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but we already know that the following people are particularly susceptible:
• People with:
- Chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disease
- Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
- Diabetes mellitus
• Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
• Pregnant women
• People aged 65 years and older
• Young children under five years old
It is vital that people in these higher risk groups get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible – within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. We will issue clear guidance to GPs on this.
When is the National Pandemic Flu Service going to be up and running?
We appreciate that GPs surgeries and hospitals in the worst affected areas are now under pressure as cases are increasing in numbers. The National Pandemic Flu Service will take pressure off them by allowing people with suspected Swine Flu to confirm (either online or via a dedicated call centre service) that they have the virus and receive an authorization number for antivirals for collecting a course of antivirals. We are at an advanced stage in preparing the system, and we expect the National Pandemic Flu Service to go live when it is needed. People will then be directed to use this service rather than contacting their GP if they have Swine Flu symptoms.
What about a vaccine? As Swine Flu is a new virus, we have had to develop a new vaccine to deal with it. We are making good progress and expect the first batches of vaccines in August, and 60 million doses – enough for half the population – are expected to be available by the end of the year. We have ordered enough vaccine for the whole population but to reduce the impact of Swine Flu, we will focus vaccination on those at the greatest risk first.
And finally...
Although we are moving to a new phase in our response to this virus, it’s important that people continue to do everything they can to stop Swine Flu from spreading. The message to the public is to keep practising good respiratory and hand hygiene. In other words, remember to Catch it, Bin It, Kill It. Catch your sneeze in a tissue, place it quickly in a bin and wash your hands and surfaces regularly to kill viruses.
Check the Department of Health website for latest national advice.
Contacts
The Pandemic is being monitored by the Diocesan Pandemic Advisory Group, chaired by the Bishop of Middleton. This group advises the diocese on when to release the pandemic protocols and which protocols need to be implemented in parishes.
At this stage if you have an issue contact David Marshall, Director of Communications on 07836 224444 dmarshall@manchester.anglican.org or call Church House.
