In the second programme of the series, the panel discuss the tough choices we will face during an outbreak of pandemic flu. It's estimated that it will infect 25% of the population, killing 50,000 people.
Taking evidence from previous pandemics such as SARS, the panel discusses the ethics involved. Should medical staff, worried for their families, be forced to come into work? How will we cope with the intensive care crisis? And with limited supplies available, who should be given antiviral medicines?
"Primary Care Trusts were reorganised a few years ago to reduce representation of patients/general public. They should rethink, organise a series of open forums to discuss public views on handling a flu pandemic in each local health authority area which would report to primary care trust which would report on accordingly." Mrs J Brain
"It was unfortunate that the idea of banning inward travel into the UK was dismissed so summarily. I have spoken to two epidemiologists who advise the government and neither expressed the negative view. If there was an outbreak in southeast Asia, we would be very unlucky if immediate banning of flights from the area did not protect us. A world-wide ban would follow in a week or two giving time for most UK citizens abroad to return home without quarantine being necessary." Myer
"I'm working in China. Pandemic starts in China. Would you let me come home (to England)? An Australian government spokesman refused, on radio, to deny that this may be a possibility for ex-pat Australians in the event of an outbreak." Nick
"If schools have to be closed in such an emergency why can't they be used as quarantine centres and first level hospitals? And it sounds as though all families need to be trained in first aid techniques to help those who may be having respiratory problems." Anon
"As with any human being, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have a clear duty to themselves and their families. Why should society feel that this is not the case and force such staff to work, even against their will? What right does management or society have to behave in this way?
"If I was in such a situation I would look at the situation that exists, weigh up what my and my family's position is and act in the best interests of me and mine first and then in the best interests of patients. Why should I put my life in danger and threaten the safety of my family? "What systems are in place to support the families of healthcare staff who die or are damaged in such circumstances? Why should my family suffer at my loss and the subsequent financial loss because of so called 'ethical' issues, which on the face of it, do not seem ethical at all.
"The example that was given of a child at home undergoing chemotherapy was interesting in that if that was me there is NO ethical issue. My first duty is to my child - period." Brendan
"I'm sorry the programme did not mention the 1957 Asian Flu which was very serious in London." Jean
"I was impressed by the seriousness that each issue arising from a Pandemic "flu" situation was addressed. Tonight, I heard how medical professionals may shut down ICUs and move into general wards and help through assessment and advice nurse and if possible save as many sick people as possible that are in the other wards.
"Could this "flying doctor" principle be used in the Community by GPS? This might allow for some patients to be cared for at home. Has the Chief Medical Officer the power or the inclination to alert all General Practitoners that their diagnostic skills may be put to the test in the situation and that they should be as aware of the issues that will arise when this pandemic arrives as the hospitals are." Margaret
"I was somewhat surprised in the above programme to hear the notion of closing schools going unquestioned. My understanding is that such closures result in major child care problems for health care workers, who may then be required to stay at home. Thus further depleting the work force." Tim
"False premise: the prophylactic is necessarily scarce. A key issue here is surely profit." Paul
"You didn't mention if people wearing face masks would be any good. Also I presume tht if you caught the flu and recovered you would have immunity from it." Mr A Kendrick
"I am 84 and I would not like any time to be wasted on me if there were an epidemic. I would much rather have the young people looked after." Anon
