CASES of swine flu across mid Essex have fallen in the last week - and along with it the need for anti viral medication.
NHS Mid Essex, the health trust which covers the Maldon district, has therefore decided to cut the opening times for the anti viral collection point (AVCPs) at St Peter’s Hospital, Spital Road, Maldon.
As of today - Wednesday August 12 - the collection point will be open from 10am until noon in the morning and 5pm until 7pm in the evening.
It will be closed at weekends.
Dr Divine Nzuobontane, consultant in public health at NHS Mid Essex, said: “We’ve seen a much steadier flow of flu friends coming to collect anti virals over the past few days and the weekends have been particularly quiet.
“It’s important that we use resources responsibly and that we don’t bring staff in to work extra hours unnecessarily.
“We have looked at the number of new cases and the data we have about when people are collecting anti viral medication and now is the right time to make changes.
“Of course if demand increases again we will immediately extend the opening times and if necessary open more AVCPs.”
Anyone who thinks they have swine flu is asked to call 0800 1513 100.
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