MKUH Asks Visitors To Help Keep Patients Safe As Winter Infections Increase

Date: 20/12/2024

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust (MKUH) has today reported an increase in cases of seasonal infections among both patients and staff. As a result, the hospital is now taking steps to minimise further spread, including an appeal for visitors to think again about entering the hospital if they have flu-like symptoms.

Ian Reckless, Chief Medical Officer at MKUH, said, “We are seeing growth in the number of cases of flu. Whilst there is always significant demand for our services at this time of year, we are now feeling the added pressure of winter illnesses.

“The MKUH team is working hard to ensure that staff don’t spread infection, and I would like to appeal to the Milton Keynes community to play their part too. Please don’t come into the hospital if you have flu-like symptoms and were planning to visit a family member or friend. We empathise with everyone who wants to see their loved ones, especially over the festive season, but keeping infections out of the hospital helps us to keep everyone safe at this time when they need our care most.”

MKUH has shared this guidance with hospital visitors to help prevent the spread of infections:

• Do not visit the hospital if you have had flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea and/or vomiting during the past 48 hours, or have been in contact with someone who has had these symptoms in the past 48 hours
• Get vaccinated for flu and Covid-19
• If you don’t have symptoms and wish to visit the hospital, wash your hands thoroughly before and during your visit
• For help with non-urgent medical issues, please avoid the Emergency Department and go through NHS111 instead in the first instance

MK residents are reminded that the Emergency Department is the right place to visit, if someone is experiencing:

• loss of consciousness
• acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• severe allergic reactions
• severe burns or scalds
• stroke
• major trauma and accidents such as a road traffic accident

Dr Reckless added, “I must emphasise that if you have any of these serious conditions or symptoms, we want to see you. The people we are asking to stay away from the hospital are those who have symptoms of winter illnesses that can be managed at home, or with the support of a pharmacist or GP.”

To find out more about keeping safe this winter, visit Winter vaccinations and winter health – NHS

• Share:
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn