People are being urged only to go to A&E if absolutely essential as hospitals battle a winter “quad-demic”. The NHS is urging people to show “patience, kindness and understanding” amid a surge in flu and other illnesses.
It says flu, norovirus, COVID and RSV infections are putting a significant strain on health services. In hospitals in the Humber and North Yorkshire area there are currently 280 patients with flu – eight times the number from this time last year, 14 of whom are in critical care.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is asking people with flu or norovirus symptoms not to attend hospital unless it is essential or an emergency situation. Staff and patients are also being encouraged to wear face coverings in some areas in an effort to curb the spread of winter viruses.
It says hospitals are particularly concerned that people with flu symptoms are attending emergency departments when they don’t need to be there, or are visiting relatives, and may pass infections on to people who are already very unwell.
The NHS estimates that up to two-fifths of hospital A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Clinical Lead, Dr Nigel Wells, said: “NHS staff continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care, but it’s incredibly difficult at the moment and the demand on services is showing no signs of letting up.
“If it’s an emergency life and limb situation, then of course you should always call 999, but if you are not sure if you need to go to an Emergency Department, contact NHS 111 first, online, through the NHS App or telephone. Alternatively, your GP practice or local pharmacy may be able to help.
“If you do attend a hospital Emergency Department, please be aware you are likely to have a lengthy wait to be seen. We understand this is frustrating, but staff are doing their absolute best in incredibly challenging circumstances, and I would urge people to be patient and continue to show empathy and kindness to staff who are putting in a huge effort every day.”
Flu cases have skyrocketed to almost 5,500 a day in hospitals in England with hospitals seeing continual pressure from Covid, RSV and norovirus cases on top of this. Multiple hospital and ambulance trusts across the country have declared critical incidents in the last few days to help them to manage additional demand on services.
There are fears this week’s plunging temperatures in the region may add to an already difficult situation.
Dr Wells added: “Low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions, so if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.
“While the national vaccination booking system has now closed, those eligible can also still get protected by visiting a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or finding a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine.”
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