Brian McCloskey

Publications (2)4.16 Total impact

• Article: Patterns of early transmission of pandemic influenza in London - link with deprivation.

  Sooria Balasegaram, Flora Ogilvie, Amy Glasswell, Charlotte Anderson, Vivien Cleary, Deborah Turbitt, Brian McCloskey
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  ABSTRACT: During the early containment phase in England from April to June 2009, the national strategy for H1N1 pandemic influenza involved case investigation and treatment, and tracing and prophylaxis of contacts. To describe the relationship between early transmission of H1N1 pandemic influenza in London and age and socio-economic status. Epidemiological data on cases of pandemic flu in London reported to the London Flu Response Centre were analysed to determine patterns of transmission. There were 3487 reported cases (2202 confirmed, 1272 presumed and 14 probable) from 20 April to 28 June 2009, during the 'containment' period. The highest report rate of 206 per 100 000 (95% CI 195-218) was seen in primary school-age children (5-11 years) followed by 129 (95% CI 119-139) in secondary school-age children (12-18 years). Reports of cases were initially concentrated in affluent areas but overall showed a clear trend with deprivation and risk ratio of 2·32 (95% CI 1·94-2·78) between the most deprived and the least deprived. Early transmissions were highest amongst school-aged children but linked with socio-economic deprivation across all age groups.
  Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 01/2012; 6(3):e35-41. · 4.16 Impact Factor
• Article: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: setting up a multi-agency regional response centre--a toolkit for other public health emergencies.

  Vivien Cleary, Sooria Balasegaram, Brian McCloskey, David Keeling, Deborah Turbitt
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  ABSTRACT: The H1N1 pandemic emerged from Mexico in April 2009. In the UK, local Health Protection Units were quickly overwhelmed with calls from health professionals seeking public health advice on this novel virus. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) led the initial response and established regional flu response centres (FRCs). In London, the HPA's flu response moved swiftly from four in-house emergency operations centres to a fully functional multiagency response centre in rented office space, working with a new database, IT and telephone systems to provide a regional response. Surge capacity was sought from the National Health Service (NHS) and other agencies. The London FRC transferred to NHS leadership supported by the existing management team to assist the NHS in London prior to the opening of the National Pandemic Flu Service. Structured debriefs were undertaken, identifying lessons for future evolving incidents. This paper gives an overview of the activation, resilience and decommissioning of the London FRC, incorporating the lessons identified and key recommendations into a toolkit for future emergency evolving incidents that adopt a regional response centre model.
  Journal of business continuity & emergency planning. 03/2010; 4(2):154-64.