Health service dealing with 'severe winter pressures' as number of virus cases increase

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is appealing to the public to help ease pressures on the health service as virus cases continue to rise.

He warned the coming few weeks would be "extremely challenging" for the system.

Viruses including flu, RSV, Covid-19 and Norovirus are among those on the rise this winter in other regions, which will likely increase pressure on the NI system.

Data released by the Public Health Agency shows that in the week leading up to December 8th, flu patients made up almost 200 emergency hospital admissions and that's a 90% increase on the previous week.

The majority of those patients were over the age of 75 and health officials have warned this is only the start of the surge for influenza.

Health officials say it's hard to predict when the number of cases peak but believe cases will rise over the coming months.

It was also revealed flu vaccination rates are lower than last year while health trusts and GPS are now offering catch up clinics.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is asking people to use services appropriately, get vaccinated and co-operate with hospital discharge processes

He said it was important to use emergency care if necessary, however, people should consider services such as community pharmacies, GP and minor injury units if they are nor in need of urgent care. The minister said: “I want to really stress that if you believe you need emergency hospital care, then you should not hesitate to seek it. Emergency departments will assess those who attend and prioritise treating the sickest quickest.“However, if your case is not an emergency, then care and treatment is available from other parts of the Health and Social Care system. This includes community pharmacies, GPs, GP out of hours and minor injury units."

He added: "Self care is also vitally important, not least in ensuring that conditions do not deteriorate to the point where hospital attendance is required. Even something as straightforward as not leaving it too late to get your repeat prescriptions can help make a difference.“Ensuring timely discharge from hospital for those who are well enough to leave is absolutely vital. This frees up beds for those waiting in Emergency Departments and ambulances who need urgent treatment and care. Staying in hospital when you no longer need to be there is certainly not good for your health.“Vaccination provides you with vital protection against flu, Covid-19 and RSV. It also helps reduce pressure on our health services and hard pressed staff.

"If you are eligible for these vaccines and have not yet received them, my advice is please do not delay any further.”Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX

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