Flu sufferers to stay away from hospital
PEOPLE showing signs of swine flu have been told to steer clear of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire even if that means canceling their appointments.
The warning comes as the pandemic continued to tighten its grip with 158 new cases confirmed in the West Midlands to bring the regional total to 1,516 victims including at least two in North Staffordshire.
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Officials at the Hartshill complex have also advised people with symptoms to attend its A&E unit only if they are suffering from another condition needing immediate emergency treatment.
The tell-tale signs of swine flu include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with the illness have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
The hospital has also asked relatives and friends of patients not to visit them if they have flu-like symptoms.
A UHNS spokesman said: "Anyone these symptoms should not come to hospital but instead call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or their GP surgery.
"If people are coming in for a routine outpatient appointment they should re-schedule their appointment date either online by calling the appointments office on 01782-555444.
"Anyone due to be admitted to hospital and having symptoms of flu or any other illness is being asked to call the number in their admission letter or the ward where they are being admitted."
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5 Comments
by Ranting, Talke
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 3:52PM
“I think the gist of what's being said is if you just feel unwell with any of the "typical flu" like symptoms stay away and treat yourself at home.
Turning up at A&E if that's all is not the best thing to do, it will do two things for certain, overload the resources and staff plus spread the virus even more making even more people ill.
A&E stands for "Accident & Emergency" They need to treat people who's life is genuinely at risk, such as people with a suspected stroke, suspected broken bones, deep wounds, a suspected heart attack, difficulty in breathing, severe burns or severe allergic reaction.
Last winter the A&E was at breaking point, without the "Swine flu" to take care of. I fear the worst this year if people just take the service for granted. 10 people with severe flu they can treat, but not if there's another 250 there if they don't really need to be.
They do their damndest to help us, we should try and help them where we can.”
by think about it, Stoke
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 3:40PM
“I am amazed that people are commenting that this is a bad thing. Lets just take a second and think about what the story is saying -
1. if you have flu symptoms then do not attend a building full of people who are already sick as they would become even more sick and possibly die if they catch it
2. If you are so ill than you need medical attention then you need to call NHS direct in the first instance - again to stop any spread
3. If the staff caught the flu then who would be there to care for those patients who are ill?
I just wish some people would use their common sense rather than shout first about what a bad state the NHS is in - at least we have one...”
by Harri, Congleton East
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 3:30PM
“What are we paying Council Tax for then!?”
by kerrry ann, Forsbrook
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 3:10PM
“so what about the Nurses... and the Doctors.. Do they have to stay away who will take care of the Patients... oops sorry the Patients take care of themselves... after all they are never there when you want thewm as they are on Tea Breaks.... or Chatting to one another.....”
by I'm 4 euros, UK
Tuesday, June 30 2009, 2:23PM
“So you can't go to hospital, you're too sick to go to the Doctors, and the doc wont visit, so how do you get treatment then? I was always under the impression that Hospitals were for the sick and inferm, so what are they for?”