Non-urgent procedures suspended at Staffordshire Hospitals
It affects Stafford’s County Hospital and Royal Stoke University Hospital
The Royal Stoke and County Hospital in Stafford say they're dealing with more pressure than the most difficult winters, as they postpone some non-emergency operations.
It's due to the amount of covid-related staff absences, an increase in patients, as well as general demand for emergency services.
It's hoped the temporary suspension well help ease pressures on Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's health service.
University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust - who runs both hospitals has made the difficult decision to postpone some operations have apologised to patients if they have experienced a delay in their treatment.
Dr Steve Fawcett, a GP and the Clinical Lead for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Urgent and Emergency Care Board said:
“This is similar to the types of problems we have in winter, but with COVID-19 thrown into the mix.
“We have to remember that COVID is still with us. Cases are higher in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire than the national average, and all our clinical settings – from GP surgeries to major hospitals – still need to take COVID precautions, social distancing and strict use of PPE.
“We understand exactly why UHNM are taking the action they are. While it is something no-one would want to see it is probably essential given the current pressures.
“We also have more people seeking urgent and emergency care being admitted to our hospitals, and we face difficulties with people being well enough to be discharged from hospital, but are waiting for a place in a care setting.
“The other significant issue is that many people either delayed seeking help or had treatment delayed because of the pandemic, and they are now in worse health than they would have been as a result.”
“The other crucial plea is that people must do everything they can to protect their own health. This includes getting their COVID-19 vaccinations and getting the flu jab at the earliest opportunity.
“We also need to remember that the general principals of hands, face, space and fresh air are still the best ways to keep ourselves protected from COVID-19 and other viruses.”