Surgical Postponements Necessary To Manage Demand - Isle Of Wight, UK

NHS Isle of Wight is continuing its campaign to help people get the right treatment and stay out of hospital. The Emergency Department at St. Mary's Hospital has been busy throughout the Christmas and New Year period, and staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure patients have been given the highest level of care possible. The PCT is now urging people to help themselves and their fellow Islanders by following simple tips for the rest of the winter.

- The best protection against flu is to have the flu jab. If you are over 65 or in one of the at risk groups and have not had the jab this year, it's not too late. Contact your surgery to check if they still have supplies and make an appointment.

- Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands. If you think you have flu, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and take medicines like aspirin or paracetamol for your symptoms.

- Protect yourself from tummy bugs by disinfecting contaminated areas and making sure good hygiene practice is in place.

- Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after visiting hospital.

- Unless you are seeking medical attention for your condition, please don't visit hospital for at least 72 hours after your last symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.

- Unless necessary do not visit hospital if you have been in close contact with someone who has had symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting.

- If you are concerned about your symptoms, phone NHS Direct for advice. The number is 0845 46 47 or visit http://www.nhs.uk.

Dr Jenifer Smith, Director of Public Health for the Island says: "If you are unfortunate enough to become unwell it is important to know who to contact for advice and information. People often see a GP or the Emergency Department at St Mary's as the only place to go for help, but for minor ailments, a visit to your local pharmacy, or a call to NHS Direct or the Island Healthline is much more appropriate. Attending the Emergency Department or dialling 999 should be for life threatening or urgent problems such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, serious accidents, severe bleeding, deep wounds, suspected broken bones. "

This advice is part of an ongoing plan to manage increased demands on health services over the winter period which includes postponing non-urgent surgery when demand for health services increases significantly. This occurred just before Christmas for a short period and the NHS on the Island is facing a similar position now.

Sheila Paul, Acting Chief Executive at NHS Isle of Wight comments: "We are continuing to receive a very high number of emergency admissions to St. Mary's Hospital which is putting services under serious pressure. This is not an issue just facing us but is being experienced across the country. As a result we have decided to postpone non urgent planned inpatient admissions for surgery with immediate effect. This will also include private cases. Clinically urgent surgery e.g. cancer and emergencies will continue as normal as will the majority of day case surgery.

"Hospital staff are working hard to try and identify ways of relieving the pressure. We are asking some of our staff to work flexibly, which may mean helping out in other areas of the hospital which are in need of additional support. We are also asking people to consider not visiting friends in hospital. Our staff can manage the high workload and minimise the risk of infections to patients and visitors alike, if visiting is kept to a minimum (i.e. two family members per patient at any one time).

"We do apologise for any inconvenience caused to our patients and visitors but hope they will understand the necessity of the action we have taken. Patients whose surgery is postponed will be re-booked as quickly as possible."

Patients affected by this are being contacted by the Appointments Centre at St. Mary's. Patients who are scheduled for surgery who do not receive a call should attend St. Mary's at the date and time specified in their appointment letter. If you are concerned at all please call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01983-534850.

The Island's NHS published a useful guide to staying healthy with the December edition of 'One Island' magazine distributed with the County Press. The guide contains useful information which is relevant throughout the winter period, including:

- Self Care - a well stocked medicine chest and first aid kit can deal with day-to-day illness and injury. Simple remedies include pain relief, decongestants, indigestion remedy, anti-diarrhoeal solution and basic first aid items.

- Ask your Pharmacist - a visit to your local pharmacy can provide the expert advice and remedy needed. If you or your family have regular prescriptions, make sure you have an adequate supply by putting your request for repeat medicines in good time.

- NHS Direct - If you are feeling unwell and not sure what to do, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. NHS Direct provides 24 hour, confidential health advice and information.

- Out of Hours - If you think you need the help of a doctor outside of normal surgery hours, telephone the Island Healthline on 0845 6031 007. All calls are handled locally by highly trained NHS staff. If you need to see a dentist for emergency treatment, call the Dental Helpline on 0845 050 8345.

- Emergency - call 999 or visit the Emergency Department for life-threatening or urgent problems only, such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, serious accidents or serious loss of blood.

NHS Isle of Wight

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