A PAIR of flu centres have opened in the Bromley borough to help provide antiviral drugs during the swine flu epidemic.

The first centre opened at the Beckenham Clinic in The Crescent, Beckenham, yesterday (July 24), while a second centre at the Bromley North Clinic in Babbacombe Road, Bromley, was due to open this morning (July 25).

The Beckenham centre will be open from 8am to 6pm on Monday to Friday next week.

Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT) says the Bromley centre will initially provide support everyday between 9am and 9pm until the end of the month (July 31).

The PCT’s director of public health, Dr Angela Bhan, said: “We know that many of us will get flu over the coming months.

“Even if someone feels well now, they must make arrangements with friends and family to ensure that someone can act as a flu friend.

“If illness does occur, a short phone call can be made to get the support needed.

“Bromley residents are naturally concerned about the rise in the number of cases.”

She added: “For the vast majority of people who have flu symptoms, it will be a mild illness and most people will recover quickly.”

The centres, also known as antiviral collection points, have been set up to coincide with the launch of the National Flu Service on Thursday (July 23).

‘Flu friends’ will be able to collect antiviral drugs using a unique identification number issued by the NHS and then taking proof of identity for themselves as well as for the patient.

Find full details of the centres’ opening times and more information at bromley.nhs.uk, bromley.gov.uk or citylocal.co.uk/cities/bromley.