A business intelligence solution for planning the NHS flu response has been implemented by Trafford PCT.

Pandemic Manager from 21c, based on Microsoft software, delivers an adaptable contingency plan for a national flu response.

Trafford PCT will use Pandemic Manager to help run its own local telephone triage systems if the national flu response service fails. The system automates the allocation and stock management of antivirals to PCTs.

"In the event of the national flu response service suffering technical problems or being overwhelmed by the volume of inquires, we are now equipped as a local telephone flu triage unit," said Abdul Razzaq, Director of Public Health, Trafford PCT. "Pandemic Manager will provide the solution to support this activity as part of our contingency emergency planning.

"This has massively helped to reduce development and deployment time as it doesn't take months or years, but rather a few short days to implement 21c's solutions. 21c is not only professional, but is also playing a vital part in protecting the public health."

Pandemic Manager provides a 'command and control' facility that enables PCTs and distribution centres to collaborate and share data. It manages stocks, distribution and dispensation of antivirals or vaccines, as well as patient contact and GP liaison.

Paul Henderson, Managing Director at 21c, said: "Our solutions are built on the Microsoft Business Intelligence software stack, providing a common platform that fits neatly into the NHS IT infrastructure. This BI project is not only about responding to the current pandemic but also about mitigating the risk posed by planning for any kind of emergency."

For more details, visit www.21c.it.