House of Lords committee expected to accuse ministers of failing to keep promise to set up swine flu helpline by April

A parliamentary committee is expected to criticise the government for the delay in setting up the national pandemic flu helpline and for giving confusing advice to vulnerable groups and NHS staff.

The House of Lords science and technology committee is expected to accuse ministers of failing to keep their promise to set up a flu helpline by April, according to the BBC.

The report will question the confusing and conflicting advice given to the public, in particular to vulnerable groups such as expectant mothers.

The Department of Health was accused of causing confusion after posting a document on its website reiterating previously issued advice to delay conception during the swine flu pandemic.

The DoH said the advice was based on predictions for a pandemic involving bird flu, and denied that its advice to expectant mothers ‑ which says they should not alter their behaviour but should “avoid crowds and unnecessary travel” ‑ was conflicting.

Publication of the critical report comes as ministers attempt to quell swine flu hysteria, amid concerns that the NHS might be overwhelmed by hordes of “unnecessarily anxious” people who could make a full recovery at home.

The health secretary, Andy Burnham, warned that panic itself could push services to breaking point. Health department officials said there was a danger of a “panic pandemic” that could hinder the treatment of serious cases.

The government faced criticism last week when the pandemic flu helpline and website was finally launched. The site was inaccessible minutes after its launch, overwhelmed by demand. It took more than an hour before the technical difficulties were resolved.

Officials said the service was now “working well”, and more than 5,500 people obtained antiviral drugs on the launch day.

The Sunday Telegraph said the NHS would be further strained by European rules limiting the hours doctors can work, which are due to come into force on Saturday. It reported that the changes could leave the NHS short of doctors just as pressure on hospitals caused by the swine flu outbreak intensifies.

The paper said maternity units were planning to cancel home births and planned caesarean sections if the outbreak worsened.