News: Major exercise focuses on pandemic flu preparations

24 April 2009, Welsh Assembly Government

On Thursday 23 April, a major exercise was held across Wales focusing on local preparations for a flu pandemic.

Exercise Taliesin, looked at how local organisations in Wales can work together in the event of a pandemic.

A wide range of organisations took part in the one-day exercise including the emergency services, local councils, NHS organisations, the Welsh Assembly Government, military, other public bodies and utility companies.

The exercise considered a broad range of likely impacts that could result from a flu pandemic that go much wider than the immediate impact on health, including the impact on schools, council services and utilities and the possible resulting disruption to everyday life.

During the exercise Strategic Co-ordination Centres, also known as ‘Gold’ commands, were set up in each of the four police force areas in Wales. The organisations taking part in the exercise all had representatives at the coordination centres.

Participants were required to respond to a number of scenarios that might occur at different times during a pandemic.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart, said:

There is no doubt that a flu pandemic has the potential to cause disruption as people become ill or need to care for others. We need to prepare to ensure that not only can we deal with the immediate effects of the pandemic but we can make sure that essential services are maintained.

Exercises like the one taking place today will help public and other organisations prepare, test the plans we have in place and address any issues that might arise during the exercise.

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Vaughan from South Wales Police added:

South Wales Police is hosting the exercise locally and I look forward to working with colleagues across organisations from South Wales to practice how we would all respond and work together in the event of a real-life pandemic.

Each organisation has emergency plans and the best way by far to test plans is by way of a joint exercise.

The exercise is being co-ordinated by the Cabinet Office as part of a series of such exercises being held around the UK.