PARENTS whose children are among the latest confirmed cases of swine flu had to wait more than three hours for medication, sparking claims health services in the borough are not going to be able to cope with further outbreaks.

At least 20 families were left waiting at Finchley Memorial Hospital on Wednesday night as the news broke that six children from Garden Suburb Schools, in Hampstead Garden Suburb, had tested positive for the N1N1 virus, with a further 143 pupils and staff reporting symptoms. If those are confirmed as having the disease, it will be the biggest outbreak in the country.

Many parents had been given prescriptions for the Tamiflu tablets, but were unable to receive them promptly as forms and mis-information slowed the process.

Russell White, whose 11-year-old daughter Phoebe was one of the first confirmed cases, said the facilities at the hospital already seemed at full stretch.

“It was a debacle,” he said.

“We were waiting for more than three hours and moved from one building to another while they tried to fill all the details into a computer.

“This is how they were with just one school. Imagine if this many parents from five or six schools descend on the hospital. They can't use that procedure for more schools. It was completely shambolic, there was no organisation.

“People were fuming. It was pandemonium during the pandemic.”

Health chiefs at Finchley Memorial Hospital said they issued more than 300 packs of antivirals in the space of a few hours, at very short notice.

Dr Andrew Burnett, director for health improvement and medical director for NHS Barnet said most people who attended to collect the anitvirals waited for approximately one hour and many people commented that they were happy with the service provided, although he did add that a very small number of patients waited longer.

He said: “NHS Barnet apologises for this, but has learnt lessons which will help to ensure the collection process occurs swiftly for future patients.

“There are systems and checks in place when routinely prescribing all drugs to ensure that they are safely dispensed. These same systems for prescription collection, which often take time, apply to the dispensing of antivirals. All staff involved are fully trained and aware of the distribution procedures."

Dr Burnett said plans are in place to ensure that if swine flu spreads, there is the capacity to increase the number of collection points in other areas, such as Edgware Hospital.

He said: “This will result in each centre being able to cope with the pressure of a high number of collections across the borough.”

Despite the apparent confusion for some families around collecting the antivirals, Mr White said his daughter was recovering well after having a temperature, a soar throat, and showing signs of fatigue.

“It was a bit disconcerting to find out she had swine flu, but what makes it worse is we had to wait so long for the drugs,” said Mr White, who has three other children, although none are showing symptoms.

“She wasn't horribly ill but our main worry is that she was exposed to my father who has a heart condition and my brother-in-law who is just recovering from leukaemia.”

Patients and parents concerned that they or their child may need antivirals are advised to stay at home and seek clinical advice from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or their GP practice.

Doctors have said antivirals are only available for collection if a practitioner has identified that the patient needs them, not upon self-diagnosis.

If anyone is worried, they are encouraged to call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.

For the latest information on swine flu, visit www.nhs.uk.