Question 1

What is the difference between a major incident and a business continuity incident in the NHS?

Accepted Answer

A major incident is an event that requires extraordinary mobilisation of resources and multi-agency coordination, such as a mass casualty event or pandemic, where local NHS services are overwhelmed. A business continuity incident is a disruption that can be managed within existing resources but threatens normal operations, like an IT failure or staff shortage. The key difference is the scale of response and the need for external support.

Question 2

What are the NHS EPRR Core Standards and why are they important?

Accepted Answer

The NHS EPRR Core Standards are a set of mandatory requirements that all NHS organisations must meet to ensure they are prepared for emergencies. They cover areas like governance, risk assessment, training, exercises, and business continuity. They are important because they provide a consistent framework across the NHS, enabling effective coordination during incidents and ensuring accountability.

Question 3

How do Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) work in health emergency planning?

Accepted Answer

Local Resilience Forums are multi-agency partnerships that bring together local authorities, emergency services, NHS, and other organisations to plan for emergencies. They produce Community Risk Registers and coordinate local response plans. In health emergencies, LRFs ensure that health services are integrated with wider response efforts, such as evacuation, shelter, and public communication.

Question 4

What is the role of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in emergency preparedness?

Accepted Answer

UKHSA leads on public health aspects of emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks, chemical incidents, and radiation emergencies. It provides expert advice, surveillance, laboratory testing, and coordinates with NHS and local authorities. During COVID-19, UKHSA (then PHE) was central to testing, contact tracing, and vaccine deployment.

Question 5

How are ethical dilemmas handled during a major incident in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Ethical dilemmas, such as triage decisions when resources are scarce, are guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. The NHS uses frameworks like the 'Clinical Ethics Committee' and the 'Ethical Framework for Pandemic Influenza' to support decision-making. Staff are trained to prioritise based on clinical need and likelihood of benefit, while ensuring decisions are documented and reviewed.

Question 6

What is the purpose of exercises in EPRR and what types are there?

Accepted Answer

Exercises test plans, procedures, and staff readiness without real-life consequences. Types include tabletop exercises (discussion-based), live exercises (simulated real-time response), and command post exercises (testing command centres). They identify gaps, improve coordination, and build confidence. The NHS requires organisations to conduct regular exercises as part of EPRR Core Standards.

RSPH Level 4 Award in Health Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response

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