HOSPITALS in Hampshire have been put on a top alert after seeing a surge in demand for their services.
Hampshire Hospitals' Trust, which runs hospitals in Andover, Basingstoke, and Winchester, said it currently has 159 Covid patients at its sites.
Chief medical officer, Dr Lara Alloway, said: "We are currently experiencing high levels of demand on all our services. This is, in part, caused by a significant increase in the number of Covid positive patients at our sites; 159 at the time of writing. This includes many who, whilst coming into hospital for other conditions, are also testing positive for Covid-19 on arrival.
“Our staff are working hard to care for everyone who needs our help, and your NHS will always be there for you. However, please remember to use the right service to get the care and advice you need. If you have a medical problem and you are not sure what to do, you can contact NHS 111 online or by calling 111 for help. As ever, please call 999 in a serious medical or life-threatening emergency.”
The statement follows a plea last week for people only to call 999 in serious emergencies after 250 people attended the emergency department in Basingstoke in just one day.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, clinical director for north and mid Hampshire at the Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, reiterated the call for people to consider what NHS services they are using.
READ MORE: People urged to only call 999 in a 'serious' emergency as hospitals in Hampshire see surge in demand
She said: “Patients who need urgent and emergency care from their local hospital should absolutely continue to come forward, but to ensure those who are most seriously ill are seen as quickly as possible we ask that people think about which services is most appropriate for their needs and if you’re unsure please contact NHS 111 online or by phone.
“NHS staff right across Hampshire continue to work extremely hard to see as many people as possible, as they have done throughout the pandemic.”
She said there are approximately 19,000 urgent health enquiries (999, 111, ED attendances, same-day GP appointments) to the NHS in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight each day – that is a rate of almost one every five seconds.
University Hospital Southampton has also seen a similar surge in demand in recent days and it put out a statement residents not to visit A&E unless necessary.
It said staff are “busier than ever” and have issued advice on other means of care, from visiting the pharmacy to booking an appointment with a GP.
A spokesperson said: “Our emergency department continues to be busier than ever. Our staff are working incredibly hard to care for everyone who needs our help.
“We are asking members of the community to help us by thinking about the best way to get the treatment you need; only come to ED in an emergency, consider visiting your local pharmacy and use 111 to help find the right service for you.
“Remember we are always here for you – always go to the emergency department for anything urgent or life-threatening.”
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