Teesside hospitals are asking the public to help limit the spread of infection after the NHS confirmed this winter flu season is on track to be potentially one of the worst.
University Hospitals Tees, made up of North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, is appealing to the public to support limiting the spread of infection. As the pressures of winter continue, hospitals are experiencing increases in patients attending with norovirus, flu and other viruses.
Hospital officials have issued advice to Teessiders in a bid to stop the spread of infection, they are asking those visiting hospitals this winter to:
- Please ensure you fully wash your hands before and after visiting our wards / services
- Where possible, please ensure you are bare below the elbows to ensure that risk of infection is minimised – remove outer clothing such as coats and roll up your sleeves
- If you are unwell, please do not visit our hospitals, help us to minimise the risk of infection
- Mask usage is recommended in some areas which will be identified at entrances to areas. Masks are available for use in our hospitals and should be discarded in bins provided followed by hand washing
The advice comes after NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, confirmed this winter flu season could be one of the worst.
He said: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come. Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.
“And secondly I would like to remind the public that community services like GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today and on Thursday and Friday. Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal – 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.”
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