Torbay Hospital has asked people with coughs, colds and flu to stay at home due to extreme pressure on services. It comes amid reports of ambulances waiting hours to drop off patients due to the number of people seeking treatment.
The influx is being put down to a spike in the number of people suffering with colds, flu and norovirus. The hospital says people should treat the symptoms at home while it concentrates on those with life-threatening conditions.
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Kate Lissett said: “Like many NHS trusts we’re seeing cases of flu, norovirus and other respiratory conditions in our community.
“We are asking people to support our NHS by not attending as a visitor or to an outpatient appointment if they have a high temperature (37.5 C or higher), a persistent cough, or an upset tummy.
“Most coughs, colds and diarrhoea and vomiting can be treated at home with paracetamol, drinking plenty of water and getting some rest and do not need hospital care. Most symptoms improve after three to five days, but please call your GP or NHS 111 if they do not improve or worsen.”
It comes after NHS Devon also issued advice to combat the rise in flu cases.
Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “Staff in our Devon hospitals are working hard to treat people as quickly and safely as possible, but there are things local people can do to help ease pressures and ensure that people with the most urgent needs can be cared for quickly.
“We are seeing increased numbers of people attending for minor injuries and ailments that can be quickly and easily treated elsewhere, so please choose the right service for your needs and only go to ED in an emergency.”
Winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are circulating widely, with emergency department attendances on the rise. The elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions are advised to get vaccinated.
School-aged children in reception through to year 11 are also eligible for a free flu vaccine, delivered as a nasal spray in schools or as an injection for those with medical or faith exemptions.
People should use minor injury units if they need care for something which is not life-threatening. Details about opening times and how to book an appointment are on our Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Treatment Centre page.
People with upcoming planned hospital appointments are advised to rearrange if they are currently unwell. Families of those being discharged are urged to collect loved ones from hospital as soon as they can to help ease the pressure.
Most GP surgeries are open on January 2. People should call their GP for help with something which is not life-threatening. Details about local pharmacy opening times are available on NHS England’s South West – Pharmacies page.