Following months of extreme pressure and another very busy weekend, St Mary’s Hospital is facing unprecedented challenges.
The hospital has today (Monday) announced all outpatient appointments are being cancelled until at least this Friday (December 23).
The hospital will continue to prioritise cancer treatment and urgent operations but all other planned surgical activity is being postponed.
Impacted patients will be contacted.
Due to the rise in cases of flu, compulsory mask wearing in clinical areas is being introduced with immediate effect.
Juliet Pearce, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied health Professionals, said:
"We have added as many extra beds as we safely can, turning our Endoscopy Ward into a 10-bed ward to support the Emergency Department.
"We have appealed to all of our staff to work extra hours.
“The biggest difference we could make is to safely discharge those patients who no longer need specialist care in a hospital — 25% (of whom) could be better cared for somewhere else.”
The hospital is asking for support from all its partners with this as well as Island residents.
Families and friends are being asked to support the NHS by collecting patients from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged and to consider offering short term support and care for their loved ones at home.
The Trust is asking members of the public to:
- Collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged to free up beds for those who need them.
- Consider supporting your friends or family at home if you are able to – there is financial help available.
- Be extra vigilant in the cold weather and when surfaces are slippery
- Support friends, family and neighbours with keeping warm, shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed
- Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and to only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury.
- Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for heath advice, or alternatively contact your local pharmacist or GP.
- Download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities.
- Get vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu if you are eligible and have not yet taken up the offer.
- Call NHS 111 or visit www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk if they are in need of mental health support.
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