The Royal United Hospital in Bath is this week asking people to wear face masks in its admission areas.
Photo © RUH Bath
Hospital chiefs say there are high levels of flu and other respiratory illnesses in the local community, and many are needing care in hospital.
Writing on its Facebook page, the RUH requests that all staff, patients and visitors who are able to wear a face mask or face covering when in:
The Emergency Department (both children’s and adults’ areas).
Medical Assessment Unit.
Surgical Assessment Unit.
“Masks will be provided at the entrances to the hospital, to allow you to wear them in other areas if you wish to do so.
“You can also help stop illnesses from spreading by washing your hands regularly with warm water and soap or using hand sanitiser.
“If you have a loved one in hospital, we ask that you please stay home if you have signs of illness.
“If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting, please do not visit until 48 hours after your symptoms have gone.”
For help with keeping in touch from home, family liaison facilitators can help – find out more at https://bit.ly/ruhfamilyliaisonfacilitators.
On Monday, the hospital also posted on social media that it was “really busy” and asked people to consider their healthcare options.
Various options include:
NHS 111 can help with urgent medical help, or if you’re not sure what to do – call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/
Pharmacists can offer clinical advice for a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, and aches and pains. Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions.
NHS.uk can provide self-care advice for issues such as grazes, sore throat, coughs and colds.
Contact 999 in an emergency only.
All patients going to the hospital would be seen, “but it may take slightly longer than usual”, the RUH said.