​​​Jersey and Guernsey have been working together for some years to prepare for the next flu pandemic. The Channel Islands Pandemic Influenza Preparedness strategy sets out the joint approach to dealing with an influenza pandemic and builds upon the lessons learnt from the swine flu pandemic of 2009. 

A flu pandemic happens when a new flu virus emerges and spreads worldwide. The new virus could spread around the world quickly because we don't have immunity. This would be a significant threat to the world's population as lots of us could become infected.

It can begin at any time of the year and in any place in the world. It's impossible to predict the impact of any future pandemic. It could be mild, moderate or severe.​​ Even a mild pandemic would disrupt the normal functioning of our small island and impact upon the day to day working of our hospital. ​