NHS in Lancashire urges patients and visitors to help curb spread of flu

The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has issued an urgent appeal to patients and visitors to help protect overstretched hospital services as flu cases continue to rise sharply.

Hospitals across the region have seen a 36.6 per cent increase in flu admissions in just one week, reflecting a wider national surge that is placing growing pressure on frontline services.

In response, some NHS trusts in Lancashire and South Cumbria have introduced mandatory surgical mask-wearing for staff in areas where there are suspected or confirmed influenza patients. Patients identified as potentially having flu during triage may also be asked to wear a mask, while masks are being made available to patients and visitors in waiting areas on request.

Health leaders are also urging the public to take simple but effective steps to reduce the spread of infection, including staying away from hospitals if unwell and taking up vaccinations if eligible.

Professor Craig Harris, chief commissioning officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said the measures were essential to protect patients, staff and services.

“In response to rising flu cases across our entire region, we are asking hospital patients and visitors to help prevent the spread of illness by getting their seasonal vaccinations, if eligible, and following infection prevention guidance,” he said.

“The guidance includes washing hands regularly, not visiting or accompanying someone in hospital if you have a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting or any other infectious condition, and following advice on infection prevention and the use of personal protective equipment if advised by staff.”

Further advice on preventing and controlling infections is available via the UK Health Security Agency website.

Residents who are eligible for flu or COVID vaccinations are being encouraged not to delay. Appointments can be booked through GP surgeries, community pharmacies, or the NHS App for those aged 18 and over. In addition, a vaccine van is visiting locations across the region, offering drop-in vaccinations with no appointment needed. Details can be found at www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/getmyjab.

The NHS has warned that pressures could intensify in the run-up to Christmas if planned industrial action by resident doctors goes ahead. The strike is scheduled to run from 7am on Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22 December.

Members of the public are also being asked to help ease demand by choosing the most appropriate service for their needs. Pharmacies, GP practices, urgent treatment centres and NHS 111 Online should be used for non-emergency care, while 999 and A&E should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies. NHS 111 can also be called for urgent care advice for children under five.

More information on when to call 999 or attend A&E is available on the national NHS website.