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.
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