Media release
15 December 2005
Community Based Assessment Centres - roles and functions in a flu pandemic
The expected roles and functions of Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) in the event of an influenza pandemic
have been outlined by the Ministry of Health, in a draft document sent to District Health Boards for comment and to
assist with local planning.
CBACs would help keep people who may have influenza away from general practices and hospital emergency departments, the
usual first ports of call for people who are unwell. The Centres would cater for people with influenza symptoms and
others who are likely to benefit from the available treatment. The primary functions would include:
i) providing clinical assessment, advice and referrals
ii) enabling health professionals to specialise in influenza and infection control
iii) providing a secure distribution centre for anti-virals and antibiotics
CBACs could also support the home-based self-care in association with telephone triage and advice.
Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Jacobs says "A working group representing a variety of groups including GPs, Medical
Officers of Health, practice nurses and emergency planners has developed this first draft guidance. It also draws
heavily on a document developed by Regional Public Health on the Feasibility of Community Based Assessment Centres for
Pandemic Illness."
"While there is debate around the role of CBACs, our aim is to provide interim guidance to District Health Boards and
Primary Health Organisations on the expected functions of CBACs. It is interim advice, and will be updated following
sector comment which is due by 20 January 2006."
Community-Based Assessment Centres are common features of influenza planning internationally. They are to provide surge
capacity to deal with a sudden increase in demand for primary health care.
More information on pandemic planning is available at www.moh.govt/pandemicinfluenza
ENDS