Swine Flu Pandemic

Information for nurses and midwives about the swine flu pandemic including our position statements and returning to practice.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the outbreak of swine flu as a pandemic. The swine flu pandemic is the spread of a new strain of influenza A (H1N1). 

Position statement: NMC response to the Londonwide LMC CEO message, volume 2, number 12
Clarification for practice nurses and their employers on giving vaccinations.

Position statement: working during a surge in the swine flu pandemic
Information for nurses and midwives on your work, standards of practice and the code during a surge in the swine flu pandemic.

NMC position statement on the role of registered nurses and midwives during an influenza pandemic
Nurses and midwives provide a vital role during a pandemic.
Nurses and midwives can work flexibly and adapt to changing situations, whilst working to their code of conduct and within their competencies.

NMC Chair Tony Hazell, following the example set by thousands of nurses and midwives by receiving his swine flu vaccination from Sister Louise Bullen at his local GP Practice in Penarth, Wales.

RCGP/RCM/RCOG letter to nurses and midwives 27 November 2009 [PDF]
We would strongly advise nurses and midwives to follow the DH guidelines to support the vaccination of pregnant women against swine flu. Midwives and nurses are accountable for their actions and omissions within the NMC code: Standards of performance and ethics for nurses and midwives (2008). They should follow their employer's local policies relating to flu vaccination and will be accountable for any omission on their part that results in harm.

Returning to practice
Has your registration lapsed or are you retired? Information on re-admission to the register.

FAQs about readmission
Processes, FtP sanctions, fees and other information.

Your health
Your own health is important; what to do if you become unwell.

Useful links
How to access additional information about the swine flu pandemic from the World Health Organisation and the health departments in the four countries of the UK.

News
27 November 2009: Preparing and administering the Pandemrix® vaccine

17 November 2009: NMC Chief Executive and Registrar thanks nurses and midwives for their response to swine flu

16 September 2009 Swine flu pandemic: NMC announces readmission action.