Hospital Trust "coping well" with flu cases

Rochdale Infirmary

The hospital trust which runs the Rochdale Infirmary says it is “coping well” with the increasing number of flu cases it is dealing with.

There are concerns about the number of critical care beds available but the trust said this is something which changes on a daily basis.

The main strands of flu circulating this winter are Influenza B and H1N1 flu (swine flu).
At least 12 people have died from flu in Greater Manchester.

A spokesman for Pennine Acute Trust said: “Seasonal flu and colds are on the increase throughout the UK and we have seen a rise in the numbers of people attending our emergency departments with symptoms.

“Normally healthy adults should stay at home and combat their flu and cold symptoms with over-the-counter remedies from the pharmacist, rather than going to hospital.

“Most people who contract flu will start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E. It is important to stay at home, to reduce the chance of spreading the flu virus to other people. By attending GP surgeries and A&E departments patients risk passing illness to vulnerable people.

“There are currently no visiting restrictions at our hospitals but we would ask that all visitors take the common sense approach and do not visit their relatives and friends if they themselves have flu-like symptoms or other winter illnesses.”

The spokesperson added: “If you think you need help or advice, then telephone your GP or your local pharmacist. If your condition suddenly deteriorates is still getting worse after three or four days, then telephone your GP.

“In young children under five and particularly infants under one, it is very difficult to distinguish influenza and its complications from other respiratory viral infections and other treatable diseases. Infants should always be reviewed by a health care professional (usually a GP). If you are in one of the “at risk” groups and you think you could have seasonal flu or require a flu vaccination, telephone your GP for advice. For more information go to www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.”

The spokesperson concluded: “Despite the increase in A&E attendances, we are coping well. The situation in relation to critical care beds can change rapidly on a daily basis. Occupancy is always high but we are managing within our overall bed complement across our hospitals. We have plans to in place to manage increased numbers of patients.”