Lifted from Tony Kilcoyne‘s posting on GDPUK
“Information for registrants in the event of an influenza pandemic
This statement explains your responsibilities as a registered dental professional in the event of an influenza pandemic
Dental and other health services
The Departments of Health and local organisations which commission health services have made arrangements for the delivery of healthcare during a pandemic. For information about national guidance on service delivery and related topics please keep in touch with your local NHS authorities and check relevant websites
Department of Health, England www.dh.gov.uk
Department of Health, Scotland www.scotland.gov.uk
Department for Health and Social Services, Wales www.wales.gov.uk/
Department of Health and Personal Social Services Northern Ireland www.dhsspsni.gov.uk
Your professional responsibilities
You may be asked to provide treatment at specialist centres, to continue providing treatment to non-symptomatic patients in your practice and/or to take part in other forms of healthcare delivery. As a healthcare professional, you should act ethically in this difficult situation. GDC guidance emphasises your professional duty to put patients’ interests first, taking account of your health and safety commitments to your teams.
If you are asked to do something which is outside your normal area of practice, you need to be sure that you are competent to do it and check that you are covered by indemnity.
Your health
As health professionals you should not let your own state of health put patients at risk. If you become unwell you should follow appropriate advice including any local measures which may be in place.
Other sources of information
NHS Direct England 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
NHS 24 Scotland 08454 24 24 24 www.nhs24.com
NHS Direct Wales 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
NHS Northern Ireland www.hscni.net
Health Protection Agency www.hpa.org.uk “
The Incisal Edge 