Visitors to QA asked to wear masks as flu cases soar and hospital admissions double
Hospital visitors have been asked to wear a mask when visiting parts of QA as cases of flu and norovirus rise.
The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is encouraging visitors to wear masks in the Emergency Department; Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC); Acute Medical Unit (AMU); and any other areas identified by ward staff.
It comes as hospitalisations for flu in the South East have more than doubled in the last week, as cases continue to rise across the country.
In a statement it said: “We are asking visitors to join our staff in wearing a mask in some areas of QA Hospital due to a rise in respiratory illnesses, including flu, as well as norovirus locally. This helps protect our patients, visitors, and staff during the winter period.
“Masks are available at the doors, and patients and visitors can wear one across all our services if they prefer.
“Please do not visit if you have flu symptoms, vomiting or diarrhoea. If you need medical advice and aren't sure which is the right service, contact NHS 111 online or by phone. Also, attend alone if you can, or limit to one supporter where possible.”
Meanwhile, the latest data released today (December 11) shows 200 more people were admitted in the last week compared to the same period last year, with a third of acute trusts in the South East having now implemented mask wearing in their hospitals.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for the NHS in the South East said: “The numbers of patients we’re seeing in our hospitals with flu is extremely high for this time of year and we still don’t know when that number will reach its peak.
“Staff right across the NHS are working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances to provide the best possible care for patients but we absolutely need you to play your part too.
“Please get your flu jab as soon as possible if you haven’t had it already – there's still time to be protected in time for Christmas. Please consider wearing a mask if you’re visiting a loved one in hospital, even if the hospital is not requiring you to, as it may just play a small part in helping keep transmission to a minimum. And please continue to think about which NHS services is best for your needs – think whether your local pharmacy, 111 online or your GP practice may be best rather than attending a busy Emergency Department which is there for the very sickest.”
Flu vaccination clinics are continuing to be run right across the South East and with the countdown to Christmas now on and the rise in flu-related hospital admissions all eligible people are urged to make an appointment to get their vaccination through their GP or local community pharmacy. The NHS teams across the South East have a range of clinics open to make it easier for you to get protected.
To date staff have delivered three million flu vaccinations of an estimated five million eligible across the region including residents and staff.
Alongside this, the NHS is doing all it can to avert the planned strike action by the BMA next week. We welcome the fact that the BMA RDC is surveying members on the offer which has the potential to end strike action right before Christmas when the NHS is already under significant pressure.
Caroline Reid, NHS England South East Region’s Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for vaccinations, said: “I’d like to thank every single person who has had their flu vaccine for helping us protect our community, especially vulnerable people, across the South East.
“Thank you to all of our vaccination staff for their incredible efforts and hard work to date. So much work has gone into the flu vaccination programme and NHS teams are continuing to promote and administer vaccines across the South East.
“If you haven’t yet had your jab, there is still time to get vaccinated. I would also really encourage parents and care givers to get your children vaccinated. Flu is continuing to be prevalent in schools and nursery settings and so getting vaccinated remains ever important for this age group.
“By getting your flu jab this week or next, you’ll be protected in time for the festive season as the vaccine only takes two weeks to become fully effective.”