A new computer system will automatically diagnose patients who think they might have swine flu – without involving a GP.

Health secretary Andy Burnham announced yesterday that a National Pandemic Flu Service will be launched later this week.

It will see a new website and accompanying phone line – similar to NHS Direct – take details from people with flu systems.

If they are thought to have the H1N1 virus and are deemed to be 'vulnerable' physically, they will be given a unique reference number to claim a course of Tamiflu.

The antiviral drugs shorten the length of the illness.

The patient is told to give the reference number and a form of ID to a 'flu friend' who will take them to the nearest of Lincolnshire's five collection points where they can pick up drug.

At a board meeting at NHS Lincolnshire yesterday, members heard that the new system will stop GPs from being deluged with calls from those believing they have swine flu.

The current system dictates that at a person with flu symptoms should ring their GP practice where a doctor could make a diagnosis over the phone.

They are told not to attend the surgery in person nor the walk-in centre and A&E departments for fear of spreading the virus.

Dr Mandy Bretman, director of public health, said if the answers provided by the patient via the phone or Internet highlight any concern, they would be advised to ring their GP.

"The system will take a lot of pressure off GPs," Dr Bretman said.

"But it would put pressure on our antiviral clinics which as of Monday will open longer hours.

"If we reach the scenario where 50 per cent of the population are affected by swine flu then we will have 100,000 people attending the antiviral collection points in a week."

For the full story see Tuesday's Lincolnshire Echo.