CONCERNED doctors are worried local health services will be unable to cope if a swine flu pandemic hits the borough.

Medics say they have not received Tamiflu or been kept informed by the primary care trust (NHS Waltham Forest) of the latest information about tackling the deadly virus.

In an email leaked to the Guardian, one doctor said: "Given the number of expected cases and the lack of protection for primary care staff - we are not only being put at risk by NHS Waltham Forest failing to do its obligations, but legal action, I am sure, will follow.

"But if a pandemic does hit, we will simply run out primary care staff to do any primary care because too many will be out of action."

Medical briefings distributed to doctors, and seen by the Guardian, show how worrying things are.

There is a shortage of face masks and there are currently no anti-viral supplies available at local chemists.

In another email, a doctor from Leytonstone said: "I am rather concerned that still we are waiting for the supply of protection kits and information about the availability of Tamiflu and Relenza in chemists in Waltham Forest."

Cllr Matt Davis, Conservative group leader, raised concerns about whether the borough could cope with a pandemic at a full council meeting on Thursday.

He asked what preparations have been undertaken in Waltham Forest regarding an outbreak of swine flu, whether the borough has sufficient anti-viral drugs, and what information has been sent to schools.

Cllr Keith Rayner, risk cabinet member, said: "Pandemic influenza planning has been underway for several years as it has been one of the highest national risks for some time now."

He added NHS Waltham Forest does not have any anti-viral drugs because the NHS stores them centrally.

"We have good communications to schools and ensure that they are kept up to date as required from the relevant governmental department," he said.

An NHS Waltham Forest spokeswoman said gloves, aprons, and protective masks had been ordered from suppliers.

She added: "We normally expect GPs to have this type of equipment themselves."

She said briefing notes had been sent to doctors throught Waltham Forest on April 29, April 30, May 1, and May 5 and May 6.

She added anti-viral drugs are not stocked at chemists but if the World Health Organsiation raises the current threat rating from five to six, drugs will be available at health centres in Waltham Forest.

She continued:"If people who have visited the United States or have come into contact with people who have returned from America and have symptoms, I would advise them to call NHS direct or a GP immediately.

"Don't make an appointment with your GP because you may infect other people but stay at home and wait to be seen by a doctor."

A man from North Weald in Essex was diagnosed with swine flu on Thursday, May 7, after returning from a business trip in America.

As of yesterday (Friday), there were 39 confirmed cases of swine flu in Britain.

If you are concerned you may have the virus contact your GP. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit nhs.uk.