The Isle of Wight NHS Trust's Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions has told Isle of Wight Radio that this is the worst pressure she has ever seen on the NHS - and is urging the public to stay safe.
Juliet Pearce said St Mary's Hospital is under extreme pressure, with COVID infections and flu adding to the ever-increasing demand on services.
And due to the rise in cases of flu, compulsory mask wearing in clinical areas has been reintroduced, while
Juliet said:
"We have 27 COVID positive patients in our main acute hospital, we've got 11 positive COVID patients in our community unit and 21 with Flu A, which is really hitting hard. Both of those illnesses can make people feel very unwell.
"The flu is directly leading to admissions to hospital at the moment, which is very significant. If you come into the hospital at the moment, the reality is we might not be able to give you the best care we can, because of the pressures we are seeing.
"It is really, really, difficult, and in fact, I think it is the worst I have ever seen the NHS - and that picture is the same across the south east and across the whole country. It means we have a significant demand and have a lot of people who are sick who need our care.
"I think we are in for a difficult few weeks, and I don't think it will improve before Christmas."
Yesterday (Monday), the Trust that all routine outpatient appointments are being cancelled until at least this Friday (23), but it will continue to prioritise cancer treatment and urgent operations. All other planned surgical activity is being postponed, with all impacted patients being contacted by the Trust.
Juliet emphasised:
"We are still running things like cancer and emergency surgery. If you haven't heard from us, and you think you have an appointment, please still do attend. Don't just not turn up."
"We have added as many extra beds as we safely can, turning our Endoscopy Ward into a 10-bed ward to support the Emergency Department. We have appealed to all of our staff to work extra hours.
“The biggest difference we could make is to safely discharge those patients who no longer need specialist care in a hospital. 25% of people in our hospital today could be better cared for somewhere else.”
As the Trust continues to battle the pressures, Juliet has this advice for Islanders:
"We really need people to stay safe and well, we really need to see fewer people coming to the Emergency Department - but of course we are there for any life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
"Look after your relatives and the elderly population. Check in with them to make sure they are well. Make sure you have your prescriptions before the Christmas period.
"Wear masks in busy and crowded places, follow good hand hygiene and make sure particularly vulnerable people have had their vaccinations."
You can listen to the full interview below:
The Trust is asking members of the public to:
- Collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged to free up beds for those who need them
- Consider supporting your friends or family at home if you are able to – there is financial help available
- Be extra vigilant in the cold weather and when surfaces are slippery
- Support friends, family and neighbours with keeping warm, shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed
- Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and to only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury
- Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for heath advice, or alternatively contact your local pharmacist or GP
- Download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities
- Get vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu if you are eligible and have not yet taken up the offer
- Call NHS 111 or visit www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk if they are in need of mental health support
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