DEVON Primary Care Trust this week made moves to reassure residents in Okehampton that the anti-viral drug Tamiflu was available to them — although from collection points outside of the town.

The nearest collection points for the anti-viral medicine are Tavistock and Tiverton — however, a spokesman from the PCT said decisions to open additional sites were reviewed on a frequent basis, taking into account the geographical spread of the virus.

He said: 'The NHS is responding to the swine flu situation in a planned and co-ordinated way, to ensure services continue to run as smoothly as possible.'

However, one Okehampton resident, who was recently treated with flu-like symptoms, has expressed concern over the lack of Tamiflu immediately available in the town.

Jenny Kidd, who was prescribed Tamiflu as a precaution, had to send a family member to pick up her prescription from Exmouth, after being unable to reach Tavistock in time.

Mrs Kidd said the town would benefit if a small stock was made available in Okehampton.

She said: 'I had to nominate someone to pick up my prescription, but because Okehampton do not have a stock of Tamiflu, it had to be picked up from Tavistock, Exmouth or Tiverton hospital.

'Both Tavistock and Exmouth close at 6pm, which made things difficult.

'In the end I found someone willing to pick up my prescription who lived in Woodbury.

'They drove to Exmouth hospital to pick up the Tamiflu and passed it on to another person, who then took it to my husband who works near Exeter.'

Mrs Kidd said the episode would have been even harder if she had been older, with no one to help.

She added: 'I was lucky that these people were willing to put themselves out to help me.

'It made me realise how ill-equipped Okehampton really is to deal with swine flu.

'If Okehampton Hospital had a small stock of Tamiflu, things would have been easier for me.

'I wonder how other people will cope if they live on their own or cannot find someone willing or able to drive all that way for a prescription.'

Mrs Kidd added: 'Maybe this needs to be thought about a little more carefully in the very near future?'

The PCT spokesman said that ample supplies of Tamiflu were available.

He said: 'It would be completely inaccurate to suggest that Tamiflu is not readily available to the people of Okehampton.

'Devon PCT has located anti-viral collection points in specific locations around the country to ensure no one has to travel more than 20-30 minutes by car to get to one.'

'Staff have coped admirably with the challenge of setting up the collection points and the inevitable workload.

'The location of the anti-viral collection points is based on the latest available information, which is updated daily.'

The spokesman said preparations for the arrival of swine flu in the communities were well advanced.

He said: 'A number of anti-viral collection points are open and others are on standby and will be commissioned when required.

'We know it's difficult for some people living in isolated areas where, perhaps, they have no one to collect the anti-viral medicine on their behalf, but we will be announcing additional help shortly.

'In the meantime, we would urge people to consider setting up networks of flu friends, who could be neighbours, friends or relatives, to help out in the event of illness.

'These people could collect medicines, food and other supplies, so that the patient doesn't have to leave home.'

The spokesman said he would encourage people to make contact with anyone who could be vulnerable.

He added: 'If you know someone in your community, who lives on their own, please make contact with them to see if you could be of assistance.

'Most people have been affected only mildly by the flu and this remains the position in Devon.'

The spokesman said people should only call the NHS Direct or their GP if they had used the information sources first.

He added: 'They should not attend walk-in centres, NHS hospitals or GP practices in person, if they have symptoms.'

The medicine Tamiflu is for influenza, commonly known as the flu.

It attacks the influenza virus and prevents it from spreading throughout the body by striking the underlying causes of the flu.

Anyone who has concerns about swine flu, can phone the information line on 08001 513 513 or visit http://www.nhs.uk">www.nhs.uk for general information.

For NHS Direct phone 0845 46 47.