SOUTHAMPTON’S hospital has taken “urgent action” against Covid as the number of cases soar.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Southampton General Hospital, reintroduced measures to protect patients and staff.
A total of 170 hospital staff members are off sick with Covid-19, while 160 patients currently have the virus.
'Everything we can to protect them'
It’s vital the hospital care for “the most vulnerable”, according to Dr Trevor Smith.
Dr Smith, an emergency department consultant and deputy chief medical officer at the hospital, said: “We have seen a significant rise in cases.
“For the vast majority of people, Covid is now a very mild illness (particularly where people have been vaccinated), but where patients are admitted to hospital and are vulnerable, Covid can still be a very big deal for them.
“That’s why we’ve reintroduced the Covid measures in terms of face masks and visiting rules.
“The patients we look after in the hospital are the most vulnerable patients in our community.
"Therefore, we are doing everything we possibly can to protect them.”
READ MORE: Southampton hospital brings back Covid measures - What it means
Spike in Covid cases
Dr Smith confirmed the number of Covid-19 cases has not reached the peaks we have experienced in previous years.
However, the recent spike is cause for concern.
He said: “We are taking urgent action to protect our most vulnerable patients.
“We can’t allow our staff to continue to work and look after vulnerable patients if they themselves have got Covid.
“The patient numbers have gone up but also the staff sickness rate has gone up.”
'Don't come to the hospital'
The trust is asking people to wear a mask inside the hospital (unless medically exempt), to attend appointments alone where possible, and avoid the hospital if the symptoms of Covid-19 are present.
“We need the help of everyone so we will be very grateful if everyone respects the measures we have put in place,” Dr Smith added.
He said: “Really importantly, ask yourself whether you’ve got any symptoms that could represent mild Covid.
“If that is the case, then please don’t come to the hospital. If you have a medical emergency, you must come to the hospital irrespective of whether you’ve Covid or not because our doors remain open.
“But for individuals who don’t need to come to the hospital, please don’t come if you think you might have symptoms of Covid.
“Self-care is really important, especially if you’re invited to get a flu jab or a Covid booster, please, please get that done.
“That is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and to protect others.”
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