Visitors to Forth Valley Royal Hospital have been urged to wear face masks as the hospital experiences a surge in winter bugs cases, according to NHS Forth Valley. The health board has reported a significant increase in patients being treated for flu, Covid, and respiratory viruses, with 83 patients currently receiving treatment in its in-patient wards at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. This surge has led to one-in-six core patient beds being occupied by patients with respiratory illnesses, putting a strain on hospital capacity.
Garry Fraser, Director of Acute Services at NHS Forth Valley, highlighted the challenges of isolating these patients and managing the increased demand for services during this busy time of year. He emphasised the importance of vaccination as the first line of defence against flu and encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Additionally, he advised against visiting the hospital if feeling unwell or experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, and recommended wearing a mask provided at the entrance areas of the wards for those who must visit.
The health authority also mentioned that the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital is currently busy and prioritising the treatment of patients with serious illnesses and injuries requiring emergency care. For minor injuries or urgent health advice when primary healthcare facilities are closed, individuals are encouraged to contact NHS 24 at 111 or visit the NHS Inform website for symptom checkers and advice.
Further information on local vaccination clinics and health advice can be found on the Winter Zone of the NHS Forth Valley website, or by calling the national vaccination helpline at 0800 030 8013.
As cases of winter bugs continue to rise, NHS Forth Valley’s call for preventive measures and responsible visitor behaviour aims to protect both patients and healthcare staff during this challenging period. Patients and visitors are reminded to prioritise safety and follow the recommended guidelines to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses in the community.
In summary, NHS Forth Valley has issued a plea for visitors to Forth Valley Royal Hospital to wear face masks amidst a surge in winter bugs cases, with a significant number of patients being treated for flu, Covid, and respiratory viruses. The health board emphasised the importance of vaccination, responsible visitor behaviour, and accessing emergency care appropriately to manage the increased demand on healthcare services during this critical period.