H1N1 VIRUS/SWINE FLU – LAB TESTS REINSTATED

- Health Board bows to local pressure after confusion and delay -

The Health Board has backed down reinstating lab testing of H1N1 virus due to sustained local pressure. As of Friday, patients with symptoms of H1N1 will be referred for testing.

Wendy Alexander MSP commented on this issue and the concerns of local parents of effected schools.

I have been concerned by the confusion that seems to be emerging around testing procedures, establishing who is affected by the virus and then letting parents know.

Following approaches from parents at Springbank Nursery and various local schools I have spoken again today to the Chief Medical Officer of Health urging the reinstatement of quick lab testing rather than “clinical diagnosis” by GPs which can leave parents unsure about a diagnosis and lead to delays in testing and then telling other parents and pupils.

Scotland’s top doctor Chief Medical Officer Harry Burns announced the change in lab testing policy on Thursday.

I can confirm that Glasgow are restarting testing for all suspected cases as of tomorrow. They have arranged rapid turnaround of test results so that patients will only get Tamiflu if they have a positive test. I think this is important for tracking the spread of the outbreak. It may be that, in due course, testing becomes unnecessary and stops but, at present, we have agreed with Glasgow that it should continue.

Wendy commented on this announcement:

I am delighted that after drawing Scotland’s top doctor’s attention to the issues highlighted in the PDE in recent days policy has now changed. From now on Glasgow Clyde Health Board will reinstate lab testing on all suspected cases. This should give quicker diagnosis and greater reassurance to all those who fear they may have been affected or in contact with the virus.