This weekend some people attended the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED)with minor illnesses that didn’t require urgent medical attention.
Weston Area Health NHS Trust is continuing to ask people to only attend ED if it is absolutely necessary and a medical emergency.
The hospital is using 16 beds in the stroke and maternity units to cope with demand. Pregnant mothers are being individually assessed as per normal and diverted to St Michael’s in Bristol where appropriate.
People who are experiencing minor illnesses are being asked to seek alternative help from NHS111, to make a GP appointment or seek advice from a pharmacist.
Miss Bee Martin, Medical Director and Consultant Surgeon at the Trust, said: “We’re seeing people turn up in ED with coughs and colds and symptoms of Norovirus – all illnesses which can be treated with self care or counter medication.”
To intensify the difficulties, three wards remain closed due to Norovirus – Uphill, Kewstoke and Berrow wards. 74 beds in these three wards remain closed to new admissions. Restrictions continue to be in place at these effected wards. People are being urged to stay away from visiting these wards if they display symptoms of the virus – vomiting and nausea.
Miss Martin continued: “Patients with more urgent needs are our priority and we need to focus on those needing hospital care. We ask people with minor illnesses to seek alternatives before coming to ED.”