University Hospital Southampton says that the A&E department at Southampton General Hospital is currently seeing more than 450 people per day, many of which are being admitted to care.
This is resulting in significant extra pressure on bed availability across the hospital, and there are now more than 100 patients who have flu or another respiratory condition.
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Staff are being impacted by this, with Southampton General having to deal with sickness on top of the low bed availability.
The combination of these issues is that there is a long wait time in the emergency department and that patients are being asked to sit alone to reduce waiting room numbers.
Social media posts from the hospital over the past 24 hours have asked family members to be ready to pick up patients as soon as they are discharged, in order to improve bed turnaround times.
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Paul Grundy, chief medical officer at University Hospital Southampton, has urged patients to use the A&E department only when necessary as another bank holiday approaches.
“We ask the public to consider three things: only come to the ED for life or limb-threatening illnesses; if visiting loved ones in the hospital, please avoid coming if you are unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms, COVID, or diarrhoea and vomiting as these can harm vulnerable patients; and if you have a loved one awaiting discharge, please help us in ensuring a timely discharge.
“Thank you for your ongoing support.”
The hospital trust’s Facebook posts also suggest that those without life or limb-threatening injuries can use NHS 111 – both on the phone and online, Urgent Treatment Centres and GPs or local pharmacies before going to A&E.
NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, added: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.
“And secondly I would like to remind the public that community services like GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today and on Thursday and Friday.
“Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal – 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.”
