Plea not to do anything that puts you at risk of needing hospital treatment
We're being urged to play our part in easing pressure on Salisbury District Hospital
Salisbury District Hospital is dealing with over 160 patients with Covid-19.
Pre-planned and routine operations have been cancelled, except for cancer and other urgent surgeries, to help reduce pressure.
Similar measures have been taken at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
Adding to the pressure a number of staff are also absent at both hospitals either because they have coronavirus or they need to self isolate.
We're being encouraged to do our bit to help ease the 'intense pressure.'
Dr Andrew Girdher is the Clinical Chair of Wiltshire CCG
"We’re appealing for everyone to get behind us and play their part, whether it’s being there to take relatives home from hospital in a timely manner, using NHS 111 for non-life-threatening emergencies instead of going straight to hospital, or just following the latest social distancing guidelines. "
"Now is also the time for people to think twice about how their own actions, such as exercising outdoors in icy weather or carrying out DIY without the correct safety equipment, could inadvertently put avoidable pressure on the NHS. Even when you are fit and healthy, you can still play your part."
USE NHS 111
NHS 111, which is available online or by telephone, remains open 24/7 to provide people with medical advice and support.
You should also call that number before going to A&E unless you have a very serious or life threatening condition.
Additionally, help and support, including advice on medication and minor illnesses, can also be obtained from the walk in centre or local pharmacies
STICK TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
Local NHS bosses say it's also vital that anyone with an existing healthcare appointment with a GP or at hospital, attends that appointment unless told otherwise.
Missing these appointments "not only compromises an individual’s health and wellbeing, it can lead to a clinician’s valuable time being wasted when it could be used to care for another patient."
HELP RELATIVES WHO ARE DISCHARGED
Health and social care teams are also focussed on supporting swift and safe discharges of patients who no longer need to be in hospital.
This plays a critical role in ensuring beds are available for emergency patients, whether as a result of covid or other conditions,
Families and relatives can help by ensuring their relatives are supported at discharge.