‘Quad-demic’ sees mandatory face masks brought in across several UK hospitals
SEVERAL major hospitals across the UK have reintroduced compulsory face-mask wearing in new Covid-style era restrictions.
The decision was made in response to a surge of patients being treated for “quad-demic” of converging winter illnesses.
Major hospitals across the UK have reintroduced compulsory face-mask-wearing[/caption] Leicester Royal Infirmary is one of the hospitals to have have reintroduced the Covid-style measure[/caption] Glenfield has also responded to a rise in flu cases[/caption]Other hospitals have pleaded with patients not to visit A&E unless absolutely necessary, as they face “exceptionally high demand”.
The combination of the flu, Covid-19, a cold-causing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus has led to a strain on NHS services.
UKHSA’s most recent report showed cases of Covid and RSV – which causes colds and serious lung infections – stabilising, while flu and vomiting bug infections surged in the weeks before Christmas.
The risk of catching the four illnesses rises sharply at this time of year as people spend more time indoors with friends and family.
During the pandemic, wearing face masks became mandatory in hospitals and other public places to prevent the spread of Covid.
Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by trapping droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
They also protect wearers from inhaling droplets containing viruses.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital and the University Hospitals of Leicester Trust, including Leicester General, Leicester Royal Infirmary, and Glenfield, have all enforced the mask-wearing rules immediately.
A Chesterfield Royal spokesperson told the BBC: “This aligns with rising flu cases in our hospital and our agreed thresholds, which will be regularly reviewed.”
The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust stated: “Rising colleague absences due to seasonal illnesses, combined with more patient cases, significantly impact how quickly we can deliver timely care.”
On Friday, hospitals in Lincolnshire began reintroducing face masks for patients and visitors in certain areas.
“This infection prevention measure is being reintroduced in high-risk areas due to increased cases of Covid-19, Influenza A, and RSV in hospitals and community settings,” United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust stated.
Royal Hospital Chesterfield has also brought back the rule for staff and patients[/caption]‘Stay away’
Royal Stoke University Hospital has declared its eighth critical incident of the year due to “increasing pressure” in A&E departments.
Patients have been warned of longer delays than usual while efforts are being made to discharge people to ease bed-blocking.
On Thursday, December 19 patients turning up at A&E were expected to wait over four hours to be seen.
The hospital’s first critical incident was announced in November last year.
Royal Stoke University Hospital has warned patients turning up at A&E should expect to wait over four hours to be seen[/caption]The declaration also involves County Hospital in Stafford – both of which are run by University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM).
Meanwhile, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University health Board put out an urgent warning this week that services and emergency departments at Royal Glamorgan, Prince Charles and Princess of Wales hospitals are exceptionally busy.
It said with hospital beds already occupied and emergency departments seeing a higher than normal attendance from people seeking care, they’re looking to the public for their support.
Visiting restrictions on two wards at Noble’s Hospital in the Isle of Man, initially imposed due to a “significant increase” in norovirus cases, have now been lifted.
Two other hospitals that declared critical incidents this week were The Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust said there’s “currently no capacity to admit further patients needing our care”.
The hospitals’ bed shortage has been caused by high admission rate, high numbers of infectious patients requiring isolation, and a low discharge rate.
How can I protect myself?
Getting jabbed is one of the best ways to protect against these winter viruses.
The NHS is pleading with Brits to get vaccinated as cases and hospital admissions rise.
Flu, Covid and RSV vaccines are free to those who meet NHS eligibility criteria.
Adults aged 65 and over, care home residents and people aged six months to 64 years with specific underlying health conditions are all eligible for free Covid and flu jabs on the NHS.
Those not eligible for free vaccines can purchase one from their local chemist. There is some evidence to suggest wearing a face mask can protect you from catching the bugs.
An RSV vaccination programme has recently been deployed by the NHS. As of November 2024. More than one million have received an RSV vaccination.
The jab is available to those considered most vulnerable: older adults aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women.
Those not eligible can purchase a single dose of RSV vaccine from the pharmacy chain Boots for £245.
At this time there are no vaccines for norovirus – though some are in development.
So the best way to protect yourself from norovirus is to properly sanitise your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, let fresh air circulate and stay home if you’re unwell.
Delays in the rollout of the RSV vaccine may also mean some vulnerable people received it too late this year to be protected.
In a statement published on Monday 16 December, the trust said: “Beds across both hospitals are full and attendance at our emergency departments is extremely high.”
Patients with non-urgent issues have been warned they could face “extremely long waits” in A&E.
Instead, they should contact 111 or visit a GP, pharmacy, or urgent treatment centre.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board put out an urgent warning this week that services are exceptionally busy[/caption]