‘Get booster and help the NHS’
People urged to go for their jags as demand on health services rises
Perth and Kinross residents are being “strongly encouraged” to get their COVID booster and flu vaccine as NHS Tayside faces increasing demand.
The health board has seen a high number of hospital admissions and a continued high prevalence of COVID-19.
NHS Tayside is currently treating 16 COVID patients in critical care.
While NHS Tayside is in a better position than other health boards - who have had to call in the military to help - it is facing increased demand.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “Over recent weeks, we have seen increasing demand on our services and hospital admissions remain high.
“At the same time we are also seeing continued high prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities and an increase in other respiratory viruses.
“The COVID vaccination is very effective and reduces the severity of illness but people can still catch and pass on the virus, and need medical attention.
“Therefore there continues to be pressure from COVID on our healthcare services.”
Members of the public are being urged to continue wearing masks in public places and socially distance where possible.
The spokesperson said: “To minimise the impact on healthcare provision from other illnesses we would strongly encourage everyone to get their COVID booster and seasonal flu jab when eligible. We would also urge people to continue to wear face coverings in indoor public places, keep two metres apart where possible, open windows for ventilation and practise good hand hygiene.”
As of November 4, NHS Tayside confirmed it had 53 COVID patients in hospital including 16 in critical care.
The picture regarding unscheduled care is a bit brighter and NHS Tayside reported no significant increase in demand at its Emergency Department in Perth Royal Infirmary over the weekend.
Prior to last weekend an NHS ED consultant had warned: “Halloween in the Emergency Department can be the busiest time of the year.”
This week the Scottish Government issued guidance for all health boards based on a redirection policy used by NHS Tayside since 1998.
Patients all over Scotland are now being urged to only attend their local Emergency Department if it is a lifethreatening emergency. If patients do not need emergency care they will be redirected to GPs or pharmacies.