Several NHS trusts across England have declared critical incidents due to overwhelming demand in emergency departments, driven by a sharp rise in flu cases. Patients are being urged to attend A&E alone to help alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.
The surge has led some hospitals to impose visitor restrictions and encourage the use of surgical masks to curb the spread of viruses. According to reports, patients had to waits up to 50 hours to be admitted to a ward, highlighting the strain on hospital resources. Currently, around 5,000 hospital beds are occupied by flu patients in England.
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has appealed to the public for support. Dr. Ed Smith, the trust’s deputy medical director, emphasized the critical need for patients to attend alone when possible. “Emergency departments are exceptionally busy at the moment,” Dr. Smith explained. “While it’s appropriate for a friend or family member to accompany children or act as a carer, patients attending alone can help free up space for others,” added Dr. Smith.
North Bristol NHS Trust, managing Southmead Hospital, has taken additional precautions by urging both the public and staff to wear surgical masks in its emergency zones to mitigate infection risks.
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