RCGP Comment on the Death of Dr Michael
Day
13th July 2009
Professor Steve Field, Chair of Council
comments on the death of a Bedfordshire GP from H1N1.
“On hearing this very sad news our thoughts go
out to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr Michael Day, a well
respected local GP in Dunstable. Dr Day’s death will without doubt
be a huge loss to his family and to the profession.
“While the cause of Dr Day’s death has yet to
be confirmed, it is extremely important to remember that swine flu
is currently a relatively mild condition in the majority of
cases. The Royal College of General Practitioners has been
working with the Government on robust flu pandemic plans for a
number of years and we are confident that the systems we have in
place will cope well with the current pandemic.
“H1N1 (swine) flu has been relatively mild in
the majority of cases but unfortunately a few people have
died. GPs are working long hours to selflessly provide care
to patients during the swine flu pandemic and are on the front line
– assessing patients with complications in their homes and
arranging treatment for them. We would again urge patients
who believe they have flu-like symptoms to consult the
online symptom checker or call the swine flu information
line on 0800 1 513 513. If they have taken these steps and are
still concerned, they should call – not visit – their GP or contact
NHS Direct (0845
4647).
The UK also has sufficient stocks of antiviral
treatments to cover the UK population and a swine flu vaccine will
also be available from next month and will eventually be available
to everyone. Vaccines aside, the public should also remember that
good hand and respiratory hygiene is the key to preventing further
spread of swine flu.”
Professor Steve Field, Chair of Council, Royal
College of General Practitioners