Westfield Health offering businesses Chamber Primary Health Plan in fight against spread of swine flu

10:14am Thursday 22nd October 2009

By Mark Stead

BUSINESSES across North Yorkshire are being urged to use a new weapon to help them combat the spread of swine flu.

A private health care organisation has teamed up with Leeds, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce to offer a scheme to firms which they hope will allow them to keep their staff clear of the virus.

Sheffield-based Westfield Health is writing to companies across the region to let them know about the Chamber Primary Health Plan, which is being made available exclusively to members of the business network.

It will offer employees a string of health care benefits and services to reduce the chances of them having to take time off because of illness, as well as providing direct routes to GPs through a round-the-clock telephone consultation hotline.

Westfield Health spokeswoman Stephanie Cooper said: “With a big surge of swine flu cases expected to return during the coming months, employers are being advised to plan for one in eight employees being off sick in addition to their normal levels of absence.

“On top of this, the Government’s immunisation programme may mean employees will need time off to get vaccinated. Working parents may also need more flexibility to cope with affected children as they return to school.”

The company said the 24-hour helpline would act as “valuable back-up” to workers who might have problems getting to see their own doctor.

Susie Cawood, York head of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Swine flu can potentially cause major problems for businesses, and we are advising members to be aware of the risks and develop and contingency plan which will prepare them should they be affected. Businesses need to plan for absent staff and make provisions for remote working. For some companies, it may also mean limiting contact between its staff and customers.

“Prevention is definitely better than the cure, so the main aim for businesses must be to curb the spread of the virus and keep employees safe and fit for work. All our members can access free advice on how to deal with swine flu by calling the chamber.”

The first swine flu vaccinations have already begun, with seriously-ill hospital patients and the staff caring for them heading the “priority group” for the jab. From next week, GPs will be inviting people with health problems and damaged immune systems, as well as pregnant women, to come forward.

More information about the chamber scheme is available by logging on to westfieldhealth.com/chamber or phoning 0845 602 1629.