People urged to wait alone at Southampton General's A&E amid high demand

Hospital staff in Southampton say they are facing high demand on its emergency department.

More than 450 people a day are visiting Southampton General Hospital's A&E, which is putting extra pressure on the number of available beds.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said a mix of winter illnesses and staff sickness means there is a longer waiting time for patients.

There are more than 100 patients in the Trust's hospitals who have flu or another respiratory condition.

People heading to A&E are being urged, if possible, to wait alone to reduce numbers in the waiting area.

The Trust is asking people to consider alternative services if their condition is not life or limb threatening.

Anyone with symptoms of flu, Covid, vomiting or diarrhoea are also being asked to not visit patients, in order to keep them safe.

Paul Grundy, chief medical officer at University Hospital Southampton, said: "The hospital is currently extremely busy with over 400 patients attending the emergency department (ED) daily and the high prevalence of flu and other respiratory illnesses is significantly impacting our bed availability.

"We ask the public to consider three things: only come to the ED for life or limb-threatening illnesses; if visiting loved ones in the hospital, please avoid coming if you are unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms, COVID, or diarrhoea and vomiting as these can harm vulnerable patients; and if you have a loved one awaiting discharge, please help us in ensuring a timely discharge. Thank you for your ongoing support."

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