Hundreds of patients with flu are being cared for in local hospitals as cases of the virus rise across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Latest figures show that more than 330 people with flu across the area are being treated in our hospitals, showing the post-pandemic impact of viruses circulating. The numbers of patients with flu being cared for in intensive care units is also increasing locally, as in other parts of the country.
It comes amid significant ongoing pressure across all local health services. Health and care teams are doing all they can and continue to prioritise patients according to clinical need.
As well as rising flu rates, which are expected to continue in the comings, days, wide-ranging pressures impacting on local services include large numbers of people contacting NHS 111, high numbers of attendances at emergency departments, urgent treatment centres and minor injuries units and soaring appointment requests to GP practices, alongside staff sickness across the board.
Dr Tim Cooper, GP Partner and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for primary and local care at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: “More people locally are needing hospital care due to flu and we strongly encourage anyone eligible for the vaccine who has not yet taken up the offer to do so as soon as possible to help protect themselves and those around them.
“Your NHS remains here for you when you need it. Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care, but please contact the most appropriate service for your need to ensure you can get the right care in as timely a way as possible. Thank you to everyone for their understanding as we work together to tackle this challenging situation.
"Ensuring people know where to go for trusted, safe advice on self-care and symptom checking is an important part of supporting access to healthcare, as it reduces the time people who need more urgent or emergency care are asked to wait. Apps such as Healthier Together for children and pregnant women, as well as the NHS App, available for free and online, are just two of the ways people can find out how they can help themselves at home with non-urgent conditions or symptoms."
How can you help
- Get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 if you are eligible and have not yet taken up the offer. Visit www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm at weekends) to find out more
- Continue to practice good hand hygiene
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Support family members being discharged from hospital by helping with transport and ensuring they have suitable clothing to return home in
- Download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities. The app can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18. It also provides advice and guidance for pregnant women.
- Use online services where available to request repeat prescriptions, follow up on results, request a fit to work certificate, or general queries
- Use NHS 111 online to symptom check whether you need further advice or can self-care at home safely
- The NHS website has information on signs and symptoms of conditions including Strep A, what to look out for and what to do in an emergency
More information on which service to use and when is available here. This includes mental health care and dentistry as well as urgent treatment centres.