Help our busy hospitals

Saturday 16 February 2013

Stoke Mandeville Hospital is experiencing one of its busiest weekends. We are asking the public not to come to hospital unless it is a real emergency which requires immediate attention.

Stoke Mandeville Hospital is seeing a number of people coming to its A&E department who could be better treated by their out-of-hours GP, their local pharmacy, by calling NHS Direct (0845 4647) or attending the Minor Injury or Illness Unit at Wycombe Hospital. This will allow our A&E doctors at Stoke Mandeville to treat those very ill patients who need our expertise.

The hospital is also currently restricting visitor access to all wards to reduce the spread of norovirus and reduce the risk of visitors bringing norovirus on site. 

We will try to contact a patient’s next of kin to inform them of these restrictions in advance, but if you are unsure please check before visiting by calling the appropriate ward.  In exceptional circumstances we may permit a visitor attending a ward providing they contact that ward in advance.

Norovirus is also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ and is commonplace within the community at this time of year. Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting and can be passed from person to person. If you're visiting our hospitals please help us to reduce the risk of norovirus infections by ensuring you stay away if you have had these symptoms in the last 48 hours, or have been in contact with someone who has. Visitors can also help by ensuring they wash their hands well with soap and water.

If you are a patient due to come into hospital and have not had these symptoms in the last 48 hours there should be no need to change your arrangements. However, if you have suffered from these symptoms in the last 48 hours please contact the ward or department you are due to attend to rearrange your appointment or inpatient stay, if necessary. Our staff will advise you.

Medical advice for those with norovirus is to rest at home, avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and eat foods such as rice, soup, pasta or bread, which are easy to digest. For general advice on norovirus from NHS Direct go to: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Norovirus

In addition, please see our hand washing video below that demonstrates how patients and visitors can help reduce the risk of passing on infections in our hospitals: http://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/For%20patients%20and%20visitors/hand-hygiene.htm

Further information on the available alternatives to A&E can be found here http://t.co/fd8jzwYQ. 

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.