Long Winter Extends Hospital’s Busy Period

It has meant a busy first week in the role for the Trust’s new Chief Executive, Nick Wood. 

He has been used to managing patient flow through the hospital in his previous role as Chief Operating Officer, but normally April period sees an easing-off of the type of illnesses which are exacerbated by winter weather, such as respiratory (chest) and cardiac (heart) conditions. 

This year however, the post-Easter period has been as busy as January and February. 

Nick said: “The unseasonably cold Spring has brought us considerable challenges, as we are seeing more patients coming through our doors than usual and they are very poorly with winter-related conditions, meaning more of them need to be admitted as in-patients.      

“This means that patients coming into our Emergency Department (ED) should be aware that they can expect to wait longer than normal for treatment, though they will, of course, be assessed in the usual way first. 

“Those patients who think their condition could be suitably treated by their GP or at a Minor Injuries Clinic, such as at Clevedon Hospital, should seriously consider going there first.” 

The hospital is particularly under pressure during the evenings, as the most seriously-ill patients seen in the Emergency Department during the day are admitted and transferred to the wards, so it would be advantageous for less ill people to avoid coming to ED after 5pm if possible.  

As at all other times, patients should first think through other appropriate options for care before setting out for the hospital. 

• Self-care – Treating themselves at home with over-the-counter medicines 
• Pharmacy – Visiting their local pharmacy for advice on how to treat their condition
• GP – Visiting their normal family doctor
• NHS 111 – Ringing the new national nurse-led helpline for telephone advice
• Minor Injuries Unit – Travelling to Clevedon Hospital for treatment for cuts, burns or sprains etc

Nick Wood said: “We appreciate hugely the support of the community at this busy time and we apologise if anyone is inconvenienced in any way because of the pressures we are under. 

“We are working very closely with our partners in primary care, the ambulance service and neighbouring hospitals to steer through this busy period as smoothly as possible and hope the forecast of warmer weather next week may indeed bring about a welcome easing-off.” 

For further information, please contact Caroline Welch on 01934 647097 or carolinewelch@nhs.net