Pandemic Planning

“In the past, influenza pandemics have resulted in increased morbidity and mortality and great social disruption. In the 20th century, the most severe influenza pandemic occurred in 1918 -1919 and caused an estimated 40–50 million deaths world wide. Current epidemiological models project that a pandemic could result in 2 to 7.4 million deaths globally”.

Swine Flu hit Australia in March 2009 and quickly swept across the nation, some organisations had developed prior pandemic plans as a result of the Avian flu scare, however many did not.

I was requested by the CFO of Harris Scarfe to develop a National Pandemic Plan which could be implemented immediately. My goal was to develop a comprehensive plan that included all business functions and could be used for future events. The influenza vaccination program that formed a part of this plan has continued to take place yearly and recently has been expanded to include a short ‘health assessment’ program as well.

The plan significantly reduced the exposure of Harris Scarfe employees to the virus, resulting in only one case of swine flu affecting Harris Scarfes 1700+ employees.

Whilst the planning conducted was specifically for the H1N1 virus, the principles are the same for any infectious disease. To assist others in their pandemic/continuity planning I have provided examples of the materials I used in word format to be easily edited to suit. Click on the buttons below to open each of the documents.