People in Bath and North East Somerset are being advised to call NHS 111 for advice before visiting the Emergency Department at the Royal United Hospital.
Photo courtesy of the RUH, Bath
High levels of demand are putting local health and care services across the area under significant pressure but organisations across the system are working together to manage the demand and restore capacity as soon as possible.
Some non-urgent hospital appointments and operations have been rescheduled and extra staff have been deployed to the emergency department and hospital wards.
Extra beds have also been made available in care homes so frail elderly patients can be discharged from hospital more quickly.
Dr Ian Orpen, a local GP and Clinical Chair of BaNES Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Like many other parts of the country, there is very high demand for health and care services across Bath and North East Somerset right now with particular pressure at A&E.
“I’d like to thank all the staff who are working extremely hard to maintain services and high quality patient care at this challenging time.
“The public can play their part too by only attending A&E if it is a real emergency. If you have an urgent health concern then please call NHS 111 for advice so they can direct you to the most appropriate service to get the help you need.”
People with cold and flu symptoms as well as winter sickness are also being advised to keep away from the hospitals as they can spread bugs to others, potentially risking the lives of vulnerable patients.
