The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is asking patients and visitors to help under-pressure services by following infection prevention guidance.
Hospitals in the region have experienced a 36.6 per cent increase in admissions for flu in just one week, with the number of cases continuing to escalate nationwide.
Some Trusts in Lancashire and South Cumbria are currently making it mandatory for staff to wear a surgical mask in any areas with suspected or confirmed influenza patients, and those patients who are suspected as having influenza on triage may also be asked to wear a mask. Masks should also be made available to patients and relatives in waiting areas, should they request them.
Hospitals are also urging members of the public to play their part by stopping the spread of illness and for eligible people to get vaccinated.
Professor Craig Harris, chief commissioning officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “In response to rising flu cases across our entire region, we are asking hospital patients and visitors to help prevent the spread of illness by getting their seasonal vaccinations, if eligible, and following infection prevention guidance.
“The guidance includes asking patients and visitors to remember to wash their hands, asking that they do not visit or accompany someone in hospital if they have a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting, or any other infectious condition, and to follow guidance on preventing infection and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if advised by staff.”
General guidance on the prevention and control of infections is available on the UK Health Security Agency website: Preventing and controlling infections - GOV.UK
If you’re eligible for vaccinations against flu or COVID, don’t miss out. Find more information about flu vaccination here and COVID vaccination here. You can simply contact your GP surgery to book a vaccination appointment, or book an appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App (if you're aged 18 or over).
There is also a vaccine van making stops around the region.
Visit www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/getmyjab to find your nearest drop-in event. No appointments are needed.
Pressures are likely to be exacerbated in the immediate run-up to Christmas, should the planned industrial action by resident doctors go ahead. The strike is set to take place from 7am on Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22 December.
Members of the public can play their part in easing the pressure on the local NHS by making sure they choose the right service – whether that is a pharmacy, GP, urgent treatment centre, or using NHS 111 Online for all non-emergency healthcare needs. In any life-threatening emergencies, please call 999 or attend A&E.
NHS 111 Online should be the first point of call for all urgent but not life-threatening situations – or call 111 for treatment for under-fives.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.