NHS leaders urge the public to ‘think which service’ following increasing pressure from winter bugs

The NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is urging people to think which service is right for their health needs this winter so they can be treated quicker and to help reduce increasing pressures on local health services.

This follows reports of a 350 per cent increase in flu cases, an 86 per cent rise in norovirus cases in hospitals as well as concerns about rising levels of Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) levels across the NHS nationally. 

Locally, hospitals have been seeing a rise in people with flu and winter bugs including norovirus, which easily spreads across healthcare settings.

To help manage this spread, people are being asked to consider which NHS service is right for them before seeking treatment and anyone feeling unwell is advised to not visit loved ones in hospitals or anyone who is vulnerable in the community.

Dr Angela Brady, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Each year we see a peak in common winter illnesses and this year is no exception as we are seeing significant pressures across all our services in the system.

“Flu and norovirus are highly contagious and are especially dangerous to our vulnerable patients in hospitals.

“You can do your part to help protect your loved ones by staying away from our hospitals unless you need to attend for a medical emergency.

“If you are eligible, you can also get your free flu and Covid-19 vaccines from a local drop-in clinic.

“If you must attend a hospital, remember to follow the advice from staff and practice good hand hygiene.

“If you start to display any symptoms of winter viruses, you can visit NHS 111 online or speak to your local pharmacist for advice.”

For further information about winter vaccinations click here and learn more about how to choose the right service for your health and care needs here.

For advice on Covid-19, click here and for information how to treat norovirus, click here.