AS the need for antivirals decreases after the recent outbreak of swine flu opening times for collection points in South West Essex have been changed.

NHS South West Essex has decided to open only one ACP at weekends, with two continuing to be open midweek.

The Craylands Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) in Basildon will be open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.

The Grays ACP will be open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.

The opening hours have been updated on the National Flu Pandemic Service website.

Director of Public Health at NHS South West Essex, Dr Katherine Gronqvist: said: “We’ve seen a much steadier flow of flu friends coming to collect antivirals over the past few days, and the weekends have been particularly quiet.

“It’s important that we use resources responsibly, and that we don’t bring staff in to work extra hours unnecessarily.

“We’ve taken the decision to only open one ACP at weekends, for now, in a central location.

“Of course, if demand increases, we will open additional ACP sites as necessary.”

The ACPs were opened alongside the launch of the National Pandemic Flu Service‘s dedicated website, www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu, and phone line 0800 1 513 100.

There is also a textphone for people who are hard of hearing, 0800 1 513 200.

People who suspect they have swine flu are advised not to go to their GP or A&E.

Instead, they should stay at home and access the National Pandemic Flu Service.

People can call or log onto the National Pandemic Flu Service to check their symptoms.

ACPs in South West Essex are located at: Grays Health Centre, Brooke Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 5BY. Open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.

Craylands Clinic, Craylands, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3RR. Open Monday to Sunday, 8am-8pm.