Sussex hospitals see rise in flu cases as Trust announces precautionary measures
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has announced that its hospitals have seen a rise in flu cases this December.
A recent update at www.uhsussex.nhs.uk said: “We are currently seeing a rise in flu cases across our hospitals. To protect both patients and staff, we are introducing immediate precautionary measures.”
The announcement comes as NHS England (South East Region) said hospitalisations for flu in the South East have more than doubled in the past week.
NHS England (South East) said on December 11 that flu cases are rising across the country with about 200 people being in hospital each day in the South East since the start of the month. They said this is up 51 per cent on the previous week.
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust runs: Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath), Worthing Hospital, Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (Brighton), Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton), St Richard’s Hospital (Chichester) and Southlands Hospital (Shoreham).
The Trust’s notice said: “All staff and visitors are asked to wear surgical face masks in the following areas: adult and paediatric emergency departments, emergency floors and admission departments, wards where flu cases have been confirmed.”
The Trust added that people can help reduce the spread of flu and protect themselves by: getting their annual flu vaccine (if eligible), practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding hospital visits if they are unwell or unless they need urgent care.
The Trust said its services are ‘extremely busy’ and said A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies only. The Trust’s message said: “If you’re unsure what care you need, call NHS 111 for advice – they will guide you to the most appropriate service. Don’t delay seeking treatment if it’s urgent.”
People can visit www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk for more information on accessing the correct care.
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 run across the South East.
The Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead has been approached for comment as well.