Salisbury District Hospital is under "intense pressure" due to the "continued rise" in Covid patients - it is asking the public to play its part to help.

Positive cases have doubled in the past week, and have now reached the same number as in mid April.

Staff are asking members of the public to:

  • only visit loved ones if it is essential to do so and contact the ward before travelling to the hospital
  • if visiting is essential follow all advice and guidance from ward staff
  • 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
  • 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."