Pandemic Response

Policy

In a pandemic, the Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health coordinates the national response. We work with Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ and the PHO to respond at a local level.

See Ministry of Health: New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Plan: A framework for action and Ministry of Health: Pandemic Influenza Guidance for the Health Sector for more guidance.

We have developed a pandemic response plan, as required in NZS 8134:2021 Ngā paerewa Health and disability services standard.

The plan outlines the key elements of our response to an outbreak. We also follow operational or clinical guidelines from Te Whatu Ora and the PHO.

We implement procedures to:

• limit the numbers of patients at the practice via telephone triage and telehealth consultations
• direct the flow of patients via red and green streams to limit cross infection
• promote patient self-care and protective measures
• manage staffing resources and other HR considerations
• use standard precautions and precautions for infectious patients
• protect staff with adequate supplies of PPE, hand sanitiser, and cleaning supplies
• communicate information to help staff stay informed about the most up-to-date guidance and treatment
• participate in vaccination programmes, if available
• gather data and report to health care authorities, if required.

Related policies

Managing Infectious Patients

Standard Precautions

Telehealth

Pandemic response documents

The Pandemic Plan must include all requirements from the RNZCGP Foundation standard.

Pandemic Plan