Influenza H1N1 2009 in Canterbury: a case study in pandemic response co-ordination.
BACKGROUND
Reviews of overseas pandemic responses have suggested that stronger links between primary care and other parts of the health sector are required. The influenza A (H1N1) 2009 ('H1N1 09') pandemic was the first real test of New Zealand's pandemic preparedness.


METHODS
In the six months from May to October 2009, there were 595 confirmed cases of H1N1 09 in Canterbury, with 187 hospitalisations and three deaths. This paper describes the way a range of Canterbury agencies worked together in a co-ordinated health-led response aimed at minimising the impact of H1N1 09 in the community and maintaining effective health care services for both influenza and non-influenza patients.


METHODS
Key strategies included sector-wide response co-ordination, intelligence and communications, a combined public health/primary care response during the 'containment' phase, and universal red/green streaming supported by dedicated 'flu centres and an 0800 call centre during the 'manage it' phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the considerable impact of the H1N1 09 virus in Canterbury, health care services were not overwhelmed. The key lesson learned from the Canterbury H1N1 09 response has been the importance of preparing and working together across the sector.
Community and Public Health Division, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand. daniel.williams@cdhb.govt.nz
Daniel
D
Williams
Annabel
A
Begg
Kim
K
Burgess
Michele
M
Hider
Lance
L
Jennings
Mary
M
Martin-Smith
Paul
P
McCormack
Jon
J
Mitchell
Alan
A
Pithie
Phil
P
Schroeder
Anja
A
Werno
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000458:organization & administration; D006285:Health Planning; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration