Perceived impact of a 3–4 month pandemic period
All were asked to speculate how long they may be able to cope with the additional pressure of an anticipated 3–4 month pandemic. Answers ranged from 2 to 4 weeks. It was perceived likely that during the pandemic homes will be closed to new entrants (as per normal infection control practice during seasonal flu outbreaks). Following a death, beds would normally be filled promptly. It was recognized that this may not be possible during a pandemic period. Even the loss of a few residents worth of income was seen to have a large financial impact; particularly if a moratorium on new admissions were applied over a long period.