Free thermometers should be issued to help families follow swine flu advice

Shetland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Free thermometers should be issued to help families follow swine flu advice - Scott

July 30, 2009 11:11 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Tavish Scott MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has called on the Scottish Government to make thermometers available to all families with young children to help parents follow Government advice on swine flu.

Liberal Democrats want the Scottish Government to consider making free thermometers available to all families with young children, or at least make them available at cost price. Research has shown that they can be bought for as little as seventeen pence each.

Whilst Scotland appears to have the spread of infection under control at the moment, it is important that plans are put in place now to deal with an anticipated surge of swine flu cases in the Autumn.

The UK Government has issued new advice to parents with young children who are concerned about swine flu. The new advice states that, in the first instance, parents should check if their child has a temperature of over thirty-eight degrees Celsius before contacting their local GP.

In many cases, however, this is not possible as families do not have a thermometer at home. This results in trips to local GPs that are often unnecessary, wasting resources and exposing children to infections that can be picked up in GP practices.

Commenting, Mr Scott said:

"As a parent, I can sympathise with the anxiety felt if a child is sick. The opportunity for parents to meet face to face with healthcare professionals is something that must be protected.

"But the resources of GPs should be safeguarded during the swine flu outbreak at a time when workloads are already high.

"Despite the use of information centres like NHS24, GPs have reported increased enquires from the public worried about swine flu. This is putting additional pressure on the services they provide.

"Planning for a future surge of cases is vital. If parents can be reassured that their children do not need immediate medical attention by something as simple as taking their temperature at home then thermometers should be made readily available to all.

"Liberal Democrats want thermometers to be made available to families who are concerned about the symptoms of swine flu. Allowing parents to check before they call will avoid exposing children to unnecessary health risks and allow GPs to get on with treating those who are in immediate danger."

Ends.