'Protect vulnerable patients': North West hospitals warning to wear face masks as winter viruses surge
Patients with respiratory symptoms are being reminded to wear a face mask 🤧
- Cases of winter viruses are continuing to surge.
- Hospitals are feeling the strain with the number of patients in hospital beds with flu rising by 9%.
- Patients with respiratory symptoms are being reminded to wear a face mask.
Patients visiting hospitals in the North West are being urged to wear face masks if they have respiratory symptoms.
Cases of winter viruses are continuing to surge, with the latest figures showing the number of patients in hospital beds with flu has risen by 9% from the previous week, following two weeks where that number had fallen.
The average number of patients in hospital with norovirus and Covid per day has also risen from the previous week, with overall bed occupancy up by 5% from the previous week at just under 92%.
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: “It’s clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter, with hospitals again experiencing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week.
“The cold weather also means we are seeing more vulnerable patients with respiratory problems in A&E and more injuries from slips and falls due to the icy conditions, so it remains an extremely busy time.
“Staff continue to work incredibly hard, and we are seeing teams across the country pulling out all the stops to ensure patients get the care they need. It remains important that people come forward for care as usual, and there are still plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated and get protected against the flu.”
Who should wear a face mask to hospital?
Patients in the North West who need to attend the hospital but have flu-like symptoms are being reminded to wear a face mask.
If you have a routine appointment and are unwell, patients are being asked not attend and instead get in touch to reschedule the appointment.
If you have friends or family in the hospital, do not visit them if you have the flu or respiratory symptoms.
In a post on social media, the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “Following the festive season and lots of get-togethers, we are reminding patients attending our sites to wear a mask if they have respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
“This helps to stop the spread of germs and protects vulnerable patients and staff as flu and seasonal illnesses are still circulating in the community.
“If you are visiting loved ones, we would encourage wearing a mask even if you have no symptoms to avoid unknowingly passing on any illnesses.”
Why are cases of the flu on the rise?
Flu cases have been rising steadily all winter, with an early flu season leaving hospitals feeling the strain before Christmas. Following the festive period, there has been a surge in cases as people become unwell after Christmas and New Year gatherings and the recent cold weather.
Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine but who have not received a jab are being asked to come forward, with thousands of appointments still available for people to protect themselves from becoming seriously unwell.
Cases of winter viruses are continuing to surge. You can find out more information about staying well this winter at NHS.UK.