The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is still in Critical Incident status, facing extreme and sustained pressure on all its services following a significant rise in flu, Covid-19, and Strep A admissions.
As part of addressing this demand, it has re-introduced compulsory mask wearing in a clinical areas and all routine outpatient appointments have been postponed until at least Friday (December 23).
Impacted patients have been contacted, while the Trust will continue to prioritise cancer treatment and urgent operations, but all other planned surgical activity is being postponed.
It has also added as many extra beds as possible, turning the Endoscopy Ward into a 10-bed ward to support the Emergency Department, while staff have been asked to work extra hours.
Demand for an emergency response is far outstripping the capacity available, so will only be used for life threatening conditions or injuries.
Juliet Pearce, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied health Professionals, said:
“We know that our patients want to get home as quickly as they can and with Christmas around the corner, even more so.
“We are focusing on safely discharging as many patients as possible and we ask that families and loved ones support us with this and collect patients as soon as they are ready to be discharged.
Families and friends can also consider offering short term support and care for their loved ones at home this Christmas. This will ensure that there are beds available for our most seriously ill patients.”
Advice for those looking to bring loved ones home at Christmas
- Patient transport services are extremely busy, so if you can collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged, this will help free up beds for those who need them.
- On admission, give the nursing staff contact details of any services which your loved one will need to have rearranged before discharge.
- Make sure they have their medication and dressings, if applicable, before leaving the hospital.
- Ask about outpatient appointments if relevant, making sure they know where they need to go, for example, a hospital or GP surgery.
- Ask for a copy of their discharge letter.
- Take clothes and shoes to the hospital.
- Support friends, family and neighbours with keeping warm, shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed.
Islanders are asked 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. Alternatively contact your local pharmacist or GP.
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