A hospital Chief Executive with a 40-year NHS career, has said this year’s lead up to New Year’s Day feels like one of the busiest times he has ever seen in the health service.
Nick Hulme – who leads Ipswich and Colchester hospitals – said he has never gone into an A&E department on Christmas day with so many people waiting for a bed.
He said: “Flu is the big issue – we’ve seen more patients with flu coming into the hospital during December – this normally happens during the early half of January so it has thrown us slightly off course.
ESNEFT Chief Executive Nick Hulme
“Clinicians and staff across our system, within all disciplines, are working incredibly hard to treat patients, provide the best possible care while managing the pressure we’re all facing.
“We are here for those people who really need us but if your condition is not an accident or an emergency, please talk before you walk.
“Please visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 – we will help you find the right service.
“If you’ve not had your flu or Covid vaccination, then please do so – these vaccinations will help you to stay well and significantly reduce your chances of becoming ill with these viruses.”
Nick added there is an important role families of patients who are about to be discharged from hospital can play.
“We need families’ support to ensure your loved ones are only in a hospital bed when they need it.
“By getting them home when they are medically well also means our teams can use the acute beds for patients that require that level of care.”
For more information about staying well this winter, please visit www.sneevaccine.org.uk/this-winter
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