Health chiefs fear flu epidemic

Pensioners are being encouraged to have a flu jab

South West health officials are warning of a possible flu epidemic.

They are worried the region's hospitals might not be able to cope with demand from patients.

A flu epidemic normally occurs every two to three years and it is two years since the last one.

The elderly are being urged to take part in a mass vaccination programme.

Torbay GP Paul Johnson fears a new flu epidemic

Torbay general practitioner Paul Johnson said: "The last epidemic was two years ago and our local hospital was over-run with patients.

"We are at full capacity most of the time, so an extra 100 patients a week can really tip us into problems.

"Routine operations are cancelled and that is very traumatic for patients."

The Torbay Primary Care Trust is seeking to vaccinate 70% of people aged over 65, in line with Department of Health guidelines.

Dedicated teams

Special dedicated teams have been set up to target residential homes and the elderly who cannot get into surgeries.

About 18,000 people in Torbay have been vaccinated so far this year.

They include Joan and Dennis Stark, who are among those people most at risk from a flu epidemic.

Mr Stark had a heart attack four years ago, and his wife has just celebrated her 65th birthday.

Mrs Stark said: "We do a lot of hospital visiting together and come across a lot of very sick people, so it is important we both stay fit."