Each winter hospitals in Dorset see an increase in the number of people admitted with seasonal illnesses such as flu and norovirus.
Sometimes, the number of patients coming into hospital exceeds the number of beds available - this is known as winter pressures.
We try to make provisions for this increase in patients, such as identifying extra beds in the hospital during the winter months and working with our primary care trusts to find additional care places within the community.
Patient safety and controlling and preventing the spread of infection are our main priorities, however, visitors coming into hospital when they have not been feeling well can also lead to the spread of infection.
How you can help
• DO NOT visit hospital if you have had any kind of sickness or diarrhoea within the past 48 hours - even if you think it may be food poisoning
• If you have been ill but have a hospital appointment please call us before coming in
• Always wash your hands where possible before entering a ward
• Always use the gel provided on entering and leaving hospital
Choose well
Hospital Emergency Departments are for life-threatening and emergency conditions. For other illnesses and injuries, such as back ache, sore throats, coughs, colds, flu and stomach upsets, there are a range of other NHS services.
• If you are unsure about your symptoms or need advice you can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or online at nhsdirect.nhs.uk
• Your local pharmacist - they will be able to offer help and advice on all types of illnesses, including colds and stomach upsets. Do not come into hospital with sickness and diarrhoea.
• Your local GP practice. They will also provide an out-of-hours service.
• Use the walk-in centre at Shelley Road, Boscombe from 8am to 8pm every single day of the year, including Christmas and New Year.
There’s no need to book - the team can see and treat all kinds of urgent illnesses and injuries.
Tel: 01202 727 969.
• If your child is seriously ill you should take them straight to Poole Hospital (even if you live in Bournemouth or East Dorset). If your child has a minor injury and your nearest hospital is Bournemouth, staff can treat your child at RBH.
• If you have trouble breathing, have pain in your chest, suspect a stroke or similar urgent health problems you should call 999 or visit your Emergency Department.
Dr Mary Armitage, Medical Director.
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