Cambridge University Hospitals thank public

Cambridge University Hospitals has issued a public thank you to staff and residents for their “magnificent support” following its pre-Christmas flu outbreak.

The Trust says that staff responded to calls for extra hands over the Christmas and New Year period, with many putting festivities on hold to help treat patients and take the pressure off colleagues.

Meanwhile the public has helped by largely listening to appeals around making the appropriate choices if they feel unwell this winter, and by taking note of patient visiting rules.

The combination of factors means the hospital – which is currently admitting around 10 new flu patients a day in addition to normal winter pressures – says its contingency arrangements and dedicated flu ward are running to plan.

However, with high numbers set to continue, visitors are reminded to stay away from hospital if they have flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, or have had these symptoms over the last 48 hours.

If you are visiting the hospitals be aware only two visitors per patient are permitted at any one time, to keep infection risk to a minimum. Please use hand sanitizers at the entrance to each ward, or wash your hands in the nearby sinks with soap and water. Children should not visit unless agreed with the wards in advance.

If you need to come into A & E please do not bring large groups of friends and family, since it increases the risk of infection.  A&E is really busy so it is important that patients only attend if it is an emergency or a life threatening condition.

If you have coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms, you are advised to rest at home and ensure you drink plenty of fluids.  If you have concerns, particularly with relation to children or the elderly, or those with long-term conditions please consult your GP or NHS111 before coming to A&E.

 A useful guide to local NHS services available over Christmas can be found here on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG website.