Bristol hospital asks visitors to wear face masks as flu cases rise

EMBARGOED TO 0001 MONDAY JULY 17 File photo dated 21/12/21 of medical staff wearing FFP3 face masks at King's College Hospital, in south east London. Doctors in Scotland have accused ministers of playing Russian roulette with staff and patients' health as they demand face mask guidance is reintroduced in healthcare settings. Issue date: Monday July 17, 2023.
Staff, patients, and visitors to Southmead Hospital’s Emergency Zone are being asked to wear face masks. Credit: PA

One of the South West’s biggest hospitals is asking visitors to wear face masks following a “sharp rise” in flu and respiratory illnesses.

Staff, patients, and visitors to Southmead Hospital’s Emergency Zone - made up of the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Acute Frailty Unit, Same Day Emergency Care team - are being asked to wear a surgical face mask.

This follows a rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses including flu and Covid.

Health services in the region are struggling to cope with rising demand with Plymouth's Derriford Hospital declaring a "critical incident" on Tuesday 7 January.

Earlier this month, a critical incident was also declared for all services in Cornwall amid growing winter demands.

Southmead Hospital

'Measures are temporary' - NHS

In a statement, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) said: “In common with NHS organisations across the country, NBT has seen a sharp rise in flu and respiratory illness over the last few weeks – and in particular since the start of January. 

“As such, we are inviting all staff, patients and visitors to our Emergency Zone – made up of the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Acute Frailty Unit, Same Day Emergency Care team – to wear a surgical face mask. This is to reduce the risk of infection and to enhance the safety of all concerned. 

“We also recommend those with respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or a cold, to avoid visiting friends, family, and loved ones at our hospital.

"Instead, please contact the ward team to discuss alternative options.  

“Please be assured that these measures are temporary and will only remain in force for as long as they are strictly necessary."

'Only call 999 for life-threatening emergencies'

South Western Ambulance Service is also experiencing increasing demand and is reminding people to only call 999 in an emergency.

Meanwhile, staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RDE) are on high alert as pressure mounts on regional services.

Professor Adrian Harris, from the RDE, said: “My first piece of advice is to think very carefully over whether you should call an ambulance.

“Please come to your emergency department, your Accident and Emergency, if you’re severely ill and do call an ambulance if it’s your only way of getting to the hospital.

“But if you can get to the hospital under your own steam, please do that. Also, please think about whether your attendance at the A&E absolutely necessary. Think about ‘should I phone 111?’, ‘should I go to my local pharmacy?’ or ‘would a GP appointment be more relevant?’”

Asked when the pressure might ease, Prof Harris added: “Historical data tells us that we tend to have periods that last between one to two weeks when we’re under these really intense pressures and we’re about a week in now, so I would be optimistic and hopeful that we will come out of this situation in the next few days.”