GPs left in dark over swine flu tactics

06 Jul 09

Less than one in ten GPs who took part said they had been given regular, clear and concise guidance about swine flu by their primary care trust.

The survey claims 44% of GPs feel deluged with information but that much of what was being communicated is unclear.

It also showed that 16% of GPs felt they had received contradictory advice from their PCT and other organisations.

Dr Tim Ringrose, medical director at Doctors.net.uk, which carried out the poll, said: ‘Doctors have been battling to make sense of the stream of information from different sources. They are now looking for clear concise information to help them get prepared and to enable them to answer questions from the public.’

Last week Pulse revealed GPs could have to wait up to three weeks to obtain the Tamiflu vouchers which are a key part of the Government's new swine flu strategy.

It followed a Pulse investigation which showed PCTs were struggling to offer GPs support in coping with the huge surge in swine flu workload, because of concern over costs and confusion over the most appropriate response.

GP leaders have condemned as ‘madness’ the lack of clear national guidance in areas such as preparing staff, accessing swabs, facemasks and antivirals.