Salisbury District Hospital "under intense pressure" after rise in Covid-19 cases
Public advised to only make essential visits
Last updated 28th Dec 2020
Due to a continued rise in the number of Covid-19 patients, Salisbury District Hospital say they are "under intense pressure".
A spokesperson confirmed to Greatest Hits Radio they are 44 patients who have tested positive for coronavirus as of today ( 28th December), up from 22 last Monday.
The hospital is unable to give details of the number on ventilators but government figures showed there were 5 needing this level of care as of the 23rd December.
The hospital remain opens, but the following advice has been issued to the public.
We are being asked to:
- only visit loved ones if it is essential to do so and please contact the ward before traveling to the hospital
- follow all advice and guidance from ward staff if visit is essential
- only use the hospital A&E department in an emergency. As a first option the public can call 111, contact their GP, visit a walk in centre/minor injury unit or talk to a community pharmacist
- when on the hospital site remember to wear a mask or face covering, regularly wash or gel hands and maintain social distancing
- consider alternatives to visiting loved ones such as the use of virtual visiting
- please keep all appointments and notify the hospital if unable to attend
Dr Peter Collins Medical Director said:
"It is common for our hospital to be busy over the Holiday period, but this year the impact of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases means that we are experiencing significant pressure on our emergency services. Our dedicated staff continue to provide safe and timely care at Salisbury Hospital but we ask the public to help us by using 111, walk in centres or minor injury units and other sources of medical advice and only come to A&E if they feel they have a genuine medical emergency.
We would ask that people restrict visiting to essential visits only and contact ward staff before traveling to the hospital site as we must continue to limit visitors as much as possible to protect our patients and staff."