BCI London Forum

Swine Flu 2009

Pandemic flu is a type of influenza that spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world.
Unlike the ‘ordinary’ flu that occurs every winter in the UK, pandemic flu can occur at any time of year.
Pandemics of influenza have occurred sporadically throughout history – three times in the last hundred years – resulting in many deaths.
A flu pandemic may come in two or more waves several months apart. Each wave may last two to three months
Pandemic flu is more serious than ‘ordinary’ flu. As much as a quarter of the population may be affected.
Pandemic flu is likely to cause the same symptoms as ‘ordinary’ flu however the symptoms may be more severe depending upon the immunity or protection against that particular virus.
A serious pandemic is likely to cause many deaths, disrupt the daily life of many people and cause intense pressure on health and other services.
Each pandemic is different, and until the virus starts circulating, it is impossible to predict its full effects (All the above from "Explaining pandemic flu: A guide from the Chief Medical Officer (October 2005 edition)"
World Health Organization on the outbreak
London Resilience's "London Regional Resilience Flu Pandemic Response Plan" Version 4, published March 2009 - developed for London's government, emergency services, health, utility and transport authorities to help them prepare for and respond to a flu pandemic to minimise its effect on the population of London
Pandemic Business Continuity Planning - Things to Consider
This particular outbreak is an H1N1 strain but is unique, is spread by human to human contact normally through coughing and sneezing but does not appear to be as deadly as originally feared.
Symptons include fever, cough, sore throat, aches, chills and fatigue. Some of the US patients have had vomiting and dairrhea as well.
The anti-viral drugsTamiflu and Relenza seem to be effective at treating early stage cases.
The UK Department of Health says it has a stockpile of more than £500 million of Tamiflu, enough to treat half the population.

Business Continuity in London

The BCI London Forum is the largest chapter or "forum" within the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) and each year hosts and manages three seminars in London. It is run by a volunteer committee of BC practitioners.

For 2009, following agreement on a five year strategy, the London Forum is jointly delivering a "Four Seasons" seminar with the Emergency Planning Society and London First.

Last summer, the Forum began holding a "monthly get-together" on the last Wednesday evening of each month, excepting August & December, where a "subject matter" speaker presents their thoughts on a controversial issue to the assembled audience.

Any professional involved in business continuity, disaster, crisis, resilience, risk, emergency or facilities management with operations in London would benefit from these opportunities to learn and network with like-minded individuals in the Forum.

Mission of the BCI

To define the professional competencies expected of business continuity professionals
To provide an internationally recognised Certification scheme for the business continuity profession.
To provide a programme of Continuous Professional Development to enable members to maintain their professional competencies.
To initiate, develop, evaluate and communicate BCM thinking, standards and good practices
To influence policy makers, opinion formers and other stakeholders worldwide in BCM issues

Our Vision and Aims

The vision of the BCI London Forum is to:

Become the recognised leading authority on business continuity related issues within the London area by anticipating future business continuity trends and adapting its workshops and other networking events accordingly;
Run events that challenge current thinking, are relevant, informative and accessible to all of those with an interest in business continuity management.

Our aims are to:

Increase knowledge and awareness of business continuity management
Increase BCI membership by developing relationships at a ‘grass roots’ level
Increase BCI London Forum supporters
Run 3 well attended, high quality content, low cost events per year
Develop partnerships with organisations with similar objectives

Our strategy to fulfill that vision and complete these aims is here.

Swine Flu Pandemic Checklist

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