Local health districts (LHDs) and specialty health networks (SHNs) are responsible for pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery at a local level, including clinical services, public health and support services.

Pandemic planning guidance documents

The principal influenza pandemic planning document for health services in NSW to be aware of is the NSW Health Influenza Pandemic Plan. Appendix 8 is a checklist to assist LHDs and SHNs in preparing local pandemic plans.

This should also be considered in the context of arrangements under NSW HEALTHPLAN.

NSW Health pandemic policy directives and guidelines

A number of NSW Health policy directives and guidelines apply to pandemics. These include:

• Influenza Pandemic - Providing Critical Care (PD2010_028). This policy provides direction to NSW Local Health Districts for the delivery of critical care services during an influenza pandemic.
• NSW Health Infection Control Policy (PD2007_036) and Hand Hygiene Policy (PD2010_058).

Also be aware of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2010)

You may also like to search for other relevant NSW Health Policy Directives and Guidelines.

Other pandemic plans and resources

Consult the following links for pandemic planning at the Whole of Government level, the National level and the international level.

• NSW Government Human Influenza Pandemic Plan
• Australian Department of Health – Pandemic Influenza
  This site contains links to the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza and to a range of resources to assist health care services and providers prepare for influenza pandemics.
• World Health Organization Pandemic Influenza Preparedness