Hospital on red alert

Dec 23 2008 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

Hospital on red alert

RESIDENTS are urged not to turn up at hospital with colds and flu symptoms during the festive season because they will be taking up beds needed for more urgent cases.

The Countess of Chester Hospital was put on “red alert” last Thursday because the system was reaching capacity leading to a number of planned operations being cancelled to ensure there was enough room for emergencies.

Tim Lynch, director of operational services at the Countess, said the hospital had come under increasing pressure due to the recent temperature drop which had seen growing numbers of people, particularly the elderly and the frail, falling ill.

While many of those calling ambulances genuinely need the assistance of paramedics and hospital staff some people are calling them when alternative services are available.

Mr Lynch said: “We have had people call out an ambulance when they have the flu or a cold, and this is just unnecessary. We would like to remind people over winter months other services are available for minor problems.

“People should visit their pharmacist for advice, or alternatively call NHS direct. They will give advice and tell them if they need to go to hospital or whether their illness can be treated by over the counter medicine from the pharmacy or by their General Prac titioner.”

He added: “I do not want to discourage people who genuinely need our assistance from calling us, but we want people to think before they turn up at accident and emergency.”

Mr Lynch said that when people attended hospital with minor ailments it clogs up the hospital system.

He said: “Even when people turn up with minor illnesses we cannot simply turn them away, we bring them in and talk to them, and this all takes time.

“With increasing numbers of people coming through our doors it inevitably causes pressure.”