awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk

Doctors are treating 250 patients with swine flu every day in Medway.
The news came as council and health workers finished setting up a swine flu dispensary in case the outbreak becomes a major concern for doctors in the Medway Towns.
The dispensary – which will not open unless the situation gets worse – is at the Compass Centre in Chatham Maritime.
Dr Alison Barnett, medical director at NHS Medway, said: “For most people it is a mild flu which clears up after about five days.
“The usual treatments – lots of liquid and regular doses of paracetamol – will treat most people. They should stay at home until it is over,” she said.
Dr Barnett said the Compass Centre was on standby in case it was needed.
“I would be surprised if we open it next week,” she said.
“We think we can handle the expected cases but nobody knows, so it is right to be prepared.”
If it does open it will be to dispense anti-viral drugs. It will not provide any medical advice service.
Patients are being encouraged to treat themselves at home, unless the flu symptoms become serious.
If the treatment suggested by the recorded message on the Flu Line (0800 1 513 513) and the NHS advice website (www.nhs.uk) doesn’t work, NHS Medway says people should phone their doctor. They should not go to hospital.
The GP should be able to arrange for a prescription to be faxed to a nominated chemist ready for collection, or leave one to be collected from the surgery.
In either case, the advice is to get a friend, neighbour or relative to collect the prescription.