The UK is in the grip of an acknowledged swine flu pandemic which will have serious implications for all sectors of UK society and business. There are also huge implications for the National Health Service, some of which present themselves as opportunities for suppliers. So, at the rsik of being seen to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear (sorry for the pig reference!), here are the key issues:

1. Pressure on NHS critical care and intensive care will intensify, particularly in the paediatric sector where a number of serious presentations and deaths have sadly already occurred. Products that can be used to urgently and effectively treat respiratory complications and provide life support are in increased demand.

2. Communication is a substantial problem within the NHS. Administrators are being forced to supply detailed case number and severity information to national and regional planners on a daily basis and many are already complaining of the speed with which the NHS is able to review and distribute the key facts and guidance. If you are a supplier of software or data recording equipment that can help then you may find a positive hearing.

3. Whilst the Government has put in place a system whereby infected people can get anti-viral medicines without having to visit their local pharmacy, the pandemic has reignited the debate over telemedicine and the service that it can provide.