Phoneline to ease pressure on doctors

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Instead of calling overstretched GPs, patients should call the phoneline, which will be staffed by up to 2,000 people.

The staff will not necessarily be medically trained, but will ask a series of questions about symptoms before issuing the caller with a URN, a unique reference number, which allows them to get a dose of Tamiflu.

Those using the website will be assessed in the same way with a series of online questions.

The swine flu sufferer must then give their URN to a "flu friend", who should take it to an anti-viral distribution centre and pick up the medication for them.

Distribution centres are being set up across the country amid tight security, and health bosses are warning people with swine flu symptoms to stay away.

The new scheme is part of the National Pandemic Flu Service and is designed to take pressure off GPs and NHS Direct.

Anna Davis