Pressures on our hospitals

Our local communities can help us to be there for seriously unwell patients by following guidance to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and making the right choices when they require urgent care.

Professor Mark Pietroni, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“Over the last two weeks, we have seen rapidly rising numbers of COVID-19 positive patients and are presently caring for 80 such patients in our hospitals.  

“The number of patients with COVID-19 has almost doubled in just a week and this increase, alongside significant levels of seriously unwell non-COVID patients, is putting both of our hospitals and our staff under considerable pressure.

“We are urging local people to continue to take every possible precaution to help reduce community transmission, as well as observing our guidance about coming to our hospitals as either an outpatient or a visitor. This includes attending appointments alone where possible and for people to continue to take lateral flow tests regularly to ensure that they do not have COVID-19 when attending our hospitals for any reason.

“Colleagues at our hospitals have worked through unrelenting pressures for the last 18 months and face a challenging winter ahead. While we have prepared extremely well over the last few months and continue to manage these pressures to the best of our abilities, we are seeking the continued support of local communities to help protect local NHS services for those most in need.

“We are therefore urging everyone to choose wisely and carefully consider the range of healthcare options available when they require urgent care.People can use several alternative services, including the ASAP Glos NHS App and website and 111.nhs.uk which will signpost people to the right care for them, including pharmacies and minor injury and illness units. The 111 phone service can also provide advice and book people into local NHS services if needed.

“We would like to thank the great majority of local people who are accessing services appropriately and stress that people should not hesitate to attend A&E or call an ambulance with serious and/or life-threatening conditions including chest pain, signs suggestive of a stroke or loss of consciousness.

“Our commitment remains to provide the best care and treatment for every patient who needs us.”