A TEMPORARY swine flu assessment unit is ready for action at Colchester General Hospital.

The building, outside the Gainsborough Wing, has been earmarked as a potential isolation unit for swine flu patients. Initially, the unit will only be used to assess those who think they might have the virus.

Hospital spokesman Mark Prentice said: “This is part of our preparations for pandemic flu, and we have been working closely with NHS North East Essex on this.

“The advice at the moment, if you think you have it, is don’t go to accident and emergency.

“This is where the unit comes in.

“People can go there to be assessed and given treatment or admitted to hospital if it is necessary.”

He explained medical staff for the unit would be provided by Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, but administration staff will be provided by the hospital and NHS North East Essex.

Meanwhile, the number of calls to a swine flu call centre has stabilised, health bosses have said.

NHS North East Essex opened its lines last Wednesday, and received about 500 calls in the first day.

Now the number of phone lines has been reduced from 14 to just eight, and the centre is being used as a general enquiry line.

Mike Cable, emergency planning lead officer, said: “We have seen a drop in calls since the national swine flu line was introduced, so we’re expanding the service in two ways. People can now contact the centre if they have general inquiries about swine flu, and we’re also going to be an advisory centre for local healthcare professionals.”

Mr Cable added people should continue to contact the national swine flu phone line first.

Anyone thinking they have swine flu can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service Line on 0800 1513100 for advice. If that fails, contact the local co-ordination centre, between 7am and 10pm, on 0800 5420303.