The Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust’s infection control team is urging people to start now in protecting themselves and their families against flu ahead of the onset of winter.
Trust head nurse Dawn Chaplin today received her jab from infection control nurse Mandy Reynolds (pictured left) as all hospital staff make sure they are protected from the virus and Mandy reminded members of the public eligible for a free jab to act now.
She said: “As the cold weather arrives so does the breeding ground for winter vomiting bugs, cold and flu which can often make people, particularly the more vulnerable members of our society, very sick. For some the flu has very serious consequences. It is highly infectious travelling easily from person to person, as well as in the air, and we could be putting some of our loved ones at unnecessary risk by not ensuring we are protected.
“Here at the Hospital staff are making sure that they get protected however, it is equally important for the public to protect themselves and help lessen the impact flu can have. Without knowing it you could be passing on this dangerous virus to your loved ones who may be vulnerable and at a higher risk of such serious illnesses as bronchitis and pneumonia.
“If you are in any of the following categories – pregnant, aged over 65, suffer from a heart condition, diabetes, liver disease or breathing problems, you are eligible to have the flu vaccine free of charge from your GP. Supermarkets and pharmacies also offer these for a small fee, so if you are not entitled to have one for free, you can still go along and have your vaccine.”
A total of £6.2 million is being invested in additional doctors and nurses as well as resources in the emergency departments across the three sites during our busiest time of the year.
Dr Ola Erinfolami, emergency department clinical director at Heartlands Hospital where £2.5 million of the funding has been pumped in, said: “It is important that we are as prepared as we can be for the busy winter season and that means making sure we have additional staff and resources to cope with the inevitable demand.
“Pressure on our emergency departments is growing all the time with the number of people attending A&E increasing each year so it is vital that this extra funding is there to give us the best chance possible of providing top quality, safe care in a timely and efficient manner.”
To help with hospital pressures and spread of infection during the winter months, remember to choose well before you visit your local emergency department – remember that walk-in centres have a host of GPs and nurses ready and waiting to see you, with less waiting time than your local hospital A&E.
