Overview
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of the influenza virus emerges and spreads around the globe infecting many people at once. An influenza virus that people have no natural immunity too, can spread easily and rapidly from person to person causing serious disease humans.
Queensland Government is working with Australian Government, local governments, GP organisations and other key groups in the community to ensure that Queensland is prepared to deal with an outbreak of either avian influenza or pandemic influenza. Queensland is developing a comprehensive plan and guidelines to assist general practitioners on pandemic influenza.
Objectives
- To assist in the provision of resources for general practice to assist in local planning and preparedness for an Influenza pandemic across Queensland
- To provide the opportunity for Divisions of General Practice in Queensland to actively participate in district level pandemic planning.
Program Detail
General Practice Queensland has secured funds for the 07-08 financial period from Queensland Health to enhance general practice capacity to undertake local planning and preparedness for an influenza pandemic. Research undertaken by the South Australian Division of General Practice (www.sadi.org.au) have found that 97% of influenza outbreaks are treated by general practice and community pharmacy making these ideal settings to treat and prevent flu outbreaks.
Communiques
Resources
National
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
- The Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza and associated downloads
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Resources
Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)
- Newsletter
Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
State – Queensland
Queensland Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guide for General Practice (GPpartners, 1 May 2009)
Queensland Government
- Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza (September 2006)
- Business Continuity Planning Notes (September 2006)
Queensland Health
General Practice Queensland
Other
Melbourne Division of General Practice and Southcity GP Services
Whitehorse Division of General Practice
Pandemic Influenza Resource Kit - click here to access the Resource Kit.
General Practice Tasmania
ACTDGP
Links
- Queensland Government - Avian Influenza (bird flu) and pandemic preparedness
- Queensland Health
- AGDHA - Pandemic Influenza
- Australian Government - Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet National Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza
- Australian Government - Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources - Pandemic Preparedness
Links for Queensland Divisions Pilot and Non-Pilot Sites
- ANU Research Paper: Australian General Practice and Pandemic Influenza - Models of Clinical Practice in an Established Pandemic
Feedback
Elise Gorman
Project Officer
Email: egorman@gpqld.com.au
Phone: 07 3105 8300