Bugs putting strain on health services
THE majority of Halton residents suffering with flu or the winter vomiting bug are being reminded to have their illness treated at home in a bid to relieve pressure on health services.
The NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group website said a high volume of patients, include frail and elderly, have attended hospital with serious complications of flu and respiratory illness.
Residents are being urged to keep hospital services available for those who need them most.
Dr Kevin Hardy, medical director at St Helens And Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and includes nearby Whiston Hospital, said: “The flu and norovirus are pretty nasty and can make people feel very ill.
“However, most people do not need hospital care for these illnesses.
“Emergency departments are very busy at this time of year and those attending with minor illnesses will wait, often for long periods.
“This is so we can look after patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.
“Spreading germs can also put other people at risk.
“We are asking people in the area to make sure they know what to do if they have flu or norovirus.”
Although extremely unpleasant, symptoms of both flu and norovirus can usually be treated at home and hospital doctors are urging people to make sure they know what to do if they catch the illnesses.
Sue Redfern, director of nursing at St Helens And Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “Keeping A&E free for people who really need it most helps us to help your loved ones.
“Our staff are working incredibly hard to look after our patients at a time of increased demand.
“Help support your NHS by taking this advice on board.
“It is also essential, that family and friends of patients, who may be ill or have symptoms of flu or have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not visit their loved ones in hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.” ●