Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza

3.3 Sustain life-saving non-influenza services and support services

It is likely that some health care services will need to be temporarily reorganised during an influenza pandemic. Some elective surgery and other non life-saving services could be suspended for a period. Other changes may also be needed, depending on the severity of the situation. The AHPC is currently developing plans to prioritise non-influenza services.

There are many other services and supplies (for example, emergency departments, obstetric services, ambulance and emergency services and certain pharmaceuticals) that are either life-saving, or critical to the overall wellbeing of society. State and territory health departments are developing plans to ensure that non-influenza services are utilised to maximise public good during an influenza pandemic. It is possible that some general practices and hospitals could be designated as ‘non-influenza’ services to ensure that these life-saving services can be maintained and protected from surges in demand.

There is a range of support services (such as pathology, blood, radiology, mortuary and waste management) that will need to cope with an increase in demand during an influenza pandemic and maintain appropriate support for non-influenza related services. Some services (for example mortuary services and clinical waste management) will require advice on how to manage demand and function safely. Specific advice will be available in a number of annexes to this document.

Good practices in the funeral industry will be critical in ensuring that disease does not spread, but will also need to remain sensitive to the needs of grieving families and friends. The DoHA has been consulting with representatives of the funeral industry to develop appropriate guidelines.

Phase snapshot: Non-influenza services and support services

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This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008