PLANS are in place to reduce the impact of winter pressures like swine flu on services at James Paget University Hospital.The hospital's trust has taken precautionary measures to keep patients safe and ensure those really in need of hospital treatment receive appropriate care.

PLANS are in place to reduce the impact of winter pressures like swine flu on services at James Paget University Hospital.

The hospital's trust has taken precautionary measures to keep patients safe and ensure those really in need of hospital treatment receive appropriate care.

Measures to combat swine flu and other winter pressures include:

Additional beds

Increased medical supplies

More intensive care facilities

Multi-skilled staff trained to cover other medical disciplines

A staff vaccination programme against swine flu and seasonal flu

Robust infection control procedures

Nick Coveney, director of nursing and patient services, said: “Winter is always a busy period for the NHS and with the additional pressure of swine flu, this year is no exception.

“Extra contingency measures are in place to help ensure we keep our patients safe, provide care to those who really need it, and have the resources to do so.”

In response to traditional winter pressures facing the NHS, the Trust has issued the following advice. In the case of swine flu:

Do not visit if you have flu-like symptoms

If you or your child has an outpatient appointment but you have flu-like symptoms, please ring the clinic before you come to hospital as your appointment can be re-arranged

Please do not attend the Emergency Department if you have flu-like symptoms

If you have flu-like symptoms contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

For more information, either phone your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.