Health bosses warn of "significant rise" in flu and Norovirus cases across Dorset
People with the flu or Norovirus are being urged to ‘stay home’ and ‘avoid hospitals’ to stop the spread
Hospitals across Dorset are under “significant pressure” following a huge spike in flu and Norovirus cases.
People experiencing Norovirus are being advised to ‘stay home’ as the illness is “highly contagious and can spread rapidly”.
Health bosses say by staying away from hospitals if you are symptomatic, the public can help prevent outbreaks that may compromise patient safety and overwhelm health and care services.
Symptoms for Norovirus include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by a mild temperature or body aches.
A spokesperson for Dorset County Hospital said: “Hospitals are always particularly busy at this time of year and DCH is currently under significant pressure.
"As ever, we ask people to only visit the emergency department for serious and life-threatening illnesses and conditions.
“GPs, pharmacies, Minor Injuries Units and the Urgent Treatment Centre at Weymouth Hospital are all available for advice and treatment.”
Meanwhile, flu rates are high across the country and Dorset is no different with an increase in patients being admitted with flu every month.
The DCH spokesperson told us: "Some patients are being admitted after becoming seriously unwell with flu.
“Other patients are admitted for other reasons but are flu-positive, which brings operational challenges as we need to take precautions to avoid the spread of flu within the hospital to protect our vulnerable patients.
“We are also asking for support from families to ensure patients who are ready to leave hospital can leave promptly and free up beds for people who need to be admitted urgently.”
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