# 3135
The UK has appointed Ian Dalton, currently chief executive of NHS North East, to be that nation’s `Flu Tsar’. Actually, `Tsar’ is pretty much a press designation, his title will really be national director for NHS Flu Resilience.
The idea of appointing someone to take the lead on pandemic preparedness has merit, regardless of the title.
Here in the States, I’d like to see each state select a full-time `Flu Tsar’, and give them the resources they would need to properly do the job.
The pandemic threat is not going to go away.
The A/H1N1 virus may evolve into something more serious over time, and there are a host of other pandemic candidates in the wild.
This from the Evening Times.
Flu tsar named to fight virus threat
THE Government has appointed a new "flu tsar" to deal with the threat of a pandemic.
Ian Dalton, currently chief executive of NHS North East, has been seconded to the newly created post of national director for NHS Flu Resilience.
Announcing the appointment, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said Mr Dalton would ensure the NHS "is in the best possible position to protect the population".
This includes overseeing vaccination programmes and the supply of equipment and drugs.
Meanwhile, pupils at schools hit by swine flu could get grades without sitting exams under emergency plans being considered today.
Discussions were taking place to consider options for students due to take exams in the coming weeks as five schools were closed due to the virus. GCSE exams begin this week.
Publication date 06/05/09
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