The Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust has said they are continuing to cope with an extremely high number of inpatients and are asking that patients and visitors bear with them for the time being.
Francesca Thompson, the Chief Operating Officer (interim) said: “There has been an unprecedented demand on our services, even busier than normal for this time of year, with no sign of let up. The extra influx of patients is putting the hospital under extreme pressure, but our staff have responded magnificently and are working flat out to help keep the hospital running.
“The hospital’s discharge arrangements are being reviewed on an hourly basis and we are also liaising closely with primary care trusts to effect timely discharge arrangements for patients and identify appropriate beds in the community.”
We encourage the public to use alternative healthcare options such as minor injuries units – coming to the Emergency department with a minor injury diverts staff attention from those emergency patients who need to be admitted – or walk-in centres, or to consult NHS Direct.
Francesca continued: “Thanks to the magnificent efforts of our staff we can reassure the public that the RUH will continue to provide care for those who need it. I would also like to pay tribute to my colleagues in the primary care trusts and social services who are also under extreme pressure and are working closely with us to make best use of our services and other facilities across the community.”
The public can also help prevent the spread of seasonal diarrhoea and vomiting which is currently widespread in the community. Visitors, who have themselves recovered but are still potentially infectious, are being asked not to come into hospital to visit relatives and friends for 72 hours after symptoms have cleared so that they do not put other patients at risk and cause bed closures.
