Patients are strongly encouraged to visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments unaccompanied. National Health Service (NHS) hospitals contend with significant demand. This is due to an increase in flu cases. Numerous NHS trusts have declared critical incidents. The reason is the “exceptionally high demands” within emergency departments. One patient at a hospital reportedly endured a 50-hour wait for admission to a ward.
In northern England, the hospitals in York and Scarborough have requested public assistance. They urge patients to seek medical attention individually whenever possible.
Dr. Ed Smith is the Deputy Medical Director at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He stated: “Our emergency departments experience high levels of activity throughout the year. However, they are currently encountering an exceptionally high volume of patients in poor health.”
“This indicates that the departments frequently experience overcrowding, resulting in a limited number of seating arrangements for individuals awaiting consultation. We acknowledge the appropriateness of allowing a friend or family member to accompany a child or act as a caregiver. However, we encourage patients to attend independently. This approach will facilitate the optimization of space for other patients who require assistance.”
Dr. Smith indicated that local emergency departments are currently accommodating over 450 patients daily. Healthcare personnel are working under notably challenging conditions. Hospitals in Northamptonshire, Cornwall, Liverpool, Hampshire, Birmingham, and Plymouth have declared critical incidents. These incidents were maintained throughout the night on Tuesday.
At 10 PM on Tuesday, South West Ambulance Service communicated via X. They informed that they are aware of patients awaiting ambulance services. They assured that they will attend to them at the earliest opportunity. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS medical director, remarked to the Daily Telegraph. He stated, “Front-line NHS staff are experiencing considerable pressure.” He observed that the demand continues to escalate. Recent data indicates that flu cases surged to approximately 5,000 daily in hospitals at the close of the previous year. This surge necessitated several trusts across the nation to declare incidents. This was done to effectively manage the heightened strain on their services.”
East Sussex Hospitals Trust has announced it will be temporarily restricting visitor access. This will take effect on Tuesday. There will be one visitor allowed per patient per day. This measure is to mitigate the impact of influenza. A statement indicated that exemptions will be made for end-of-life care. Visits to the special care baby unit are also exempt. Children under the age of 16 can have exemptions too. Additionally, further visitors may be allowed on compassionate grounds, assessed on a case-by-case basis for all other services. Read More
DoctorPanie 
Leave a comment