East Grinstead hospital introduces flu precautions during ‘national surge in cases’
An East Grinstead hospital has announced it has introduced flu precautions during a ‘national surge in cases’.
Queen Victoria Hospital in Holtye Road made the announcement after NHS England (South East Region) revealed that hospitalisations for flu in the South East had more than doubled over the past week.
A notice at qvh.nhs.uk said: “We are currently seeing a local and national surge in flu cases and other winter illnesses. To help protect our patients, visitors and staff, colleagues working in our clinical areas will now be wearing face masks.”
The hospital said mask wearing for visitors is optional at the moment and said masks are available at the main entrance of the hospital and also in the hospital’s clinical areas.
The notice continued: “If you are experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea or vomiting, please do not come to the hospital until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. If you have any questions, speak to a member of staff.
“You can help reduce the spread of flu and other winter illnesses and protect yourself by: getting your annual flu vaccine (if eligible); practicing good hand hygiene by washing your hands and using sanitiser; avoiding hospital visits if you are unwell, unless you need urgent care.”
People can get more information about staying well and accessing the right care this winter at www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk.