Critical incidents were declared at two major hospitals in Bristol last week
Bristol Royal Infirmary and Southmead Hospital(Image: )
The NHS trusts in Bristol have described the New Year period as “challenging” as major incidents were declared at two major hospitals in the city last week.
Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary were operating under protocols designed for “critical incidents” after overwhelming demand for their services was reported.
Demand for hospital care increased due to a number of factors, but an extremely bad flu season has meant the number of patients being treated for seasonal illnesses has increased, putting healthcare under huge pressure.
A letter, signed by Professor Tim Whittlestone, the group chief medical and innovation officer for the Bristol NHS Group, and Dr Joanne Medhurst, the chief medical officer for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said that it is appealing for residents to follow advice to help reduce demand for hospital services. The Bristol NHS Group is formed of both the North Bristol NHS Trust as well as the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
The letter said: “New Year is always a challenging time for the NHS and you will have no doubt heard and read about the pressures that health and care services are under, as we respond to an increase in seasonal illnesses and the number of people needing urgent and emergency care.
“Please be assured that we are working closely together across health and care services to manage this demand and maintain safe and effective care for local people.
“We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of staff as they respond to this challenge.
At this difficult time of the year, we are also appealing to all residents, to ‘help us help you’ by following simple advice that can make a real difference both to you and local NHS and care services in the coming weeks.”
The advice issued is the following:
Taking up the NHS flu and Covid-19 vaccination if eligible.Choosing the best service for your needs. The letter said: “A&E are very busy caring for the most seriously ill people, so if it’s not a life-threatening emergency, please use a more suitable service”.Preventing the spread of winter bugs by washing hands regularly, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and staying at home if unwell.Helping loved ones in hospital return home as soon as possible by arranging transport and picking up groceries for those being cared for.Look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
The letter added: “Finally, please remember that health and care staff are people too, with their own pressures and concerns.
“Please treat them with the kindness and respect they deserve as they work to care for us all, across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.”
At the time of the critical incidents last week, beds at the Bristol Royal Infirmary were understood to be full and some patients at Southmead Hospital were being treated in the hospital corridors.