Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue welcomed
the publication of Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu: Guidance
for faith communities and local influenza pandemic committees
on the 17 June by the Department of Communities and Local Government.
The booklet produced by the Faith Communities' Consultative Council for the Department of Communities draws on the ground breaking work undertaken by Deacon Nick Donnelly, Diocese of Lancaster, and Mr Jim McManus, Director of Health Improvement, Barking and Dagenham Primary Care Trust.
In the section 'Sources of help and support' the government booklet
recommends two documents produced by the Diocese of Lancaster
as part of the diocese's emergency planning protocols Pastoral
Planning for a Flu Pandemic and A Checklist for Dioceses
on Pandemic 'Flu Preparation.
Interest has been shown by Catholic and non Catholic dioceses
around the world, particularly the USA, in the work undertaken
by the Diocese of Lancaster in putting plans in place to prepare
the Church for the pastoral and healthcare challenges posed by
a flu pandemic.
The booklet estimates that in the event of a flu pandemic, anywhere
between 15 million and 30 million people could become ill. Of
these between 55,000 and 750, 000 could die in a worst case scenario.
The booklet provides advice on how to stop infections in our faith
communities, recognising that large public gatherings for public
worship are 'an ideal opportunity for influenza to spread if people
do not properly follow simple prevention measures'. It goes on
to provide guidance about Holy Communion, sharing sacred vessels
and sacred books, home visiting and anointing of the sick.
Furthermore, it provides guidance about dealing with those who
have died, outlining what may be possible and what may not be
possible regarding religious services during a flu pandemic. There
is also a useful checklist for faith communities.
Bishop Patrick made the following comment: 'It is gratifying that
the Government has recognised the work done by my diocese in this
important area of emergency planning. I congratulate Deacon Nick
Donnelly and Mr Jim McManus for their foresight and innovative
work in preparing the Church to care for the sick and dying during
a possible flu pandemic. While praying that these plans are never
used, it is prudent for all of us in positions of authority to
take the threat of a flu pandemic seriously'.
Deacon Nick Donnelly also made the following comment: 'In March
2008 the Prime Minster, Gordon Brown, stated that the greatest
security threat to the United Kingdom was not terrorism or climate
change, but the ever present threat of a flu pandemic. What is
good about Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu is that it
recognises for the first time the important role that faith communities
could play in saving the lives of others during a pandemic.'
Source: Diocese of Lancaster
© Independent Catholic News 2008