There is still a degree of uncertainty about the potential impact of the current
H1N1 outbreak and whether there may be a significant increase in the numbers of patients
 who require intensive care support, but it is important that NHS organisations continue to
plan in advance for the possibility that this may occur. The purpose of this document is to
clarify the potential implications for NHS staff during a pandemic or other major disaster
event where existing resources are significantly exceeded. The consequent plans to maximise
capacity in order to provide the best achievable care for as many patients as possible will
be predominantly dependent on staff availability. Information obtained from major national and
international events strongly suggests that advanced preparation of systems for maintaining staff confidence and morale will help to maximise the efficiency of all the relevant planning systems created to deal with such circumstances. Document regarding support for staff