An announcement today (Monday, December 19) has confirmed that due to an increase in flu cases, compulsory mask-wearing in clinical areas is required with immediate effect.

The IOW NHS Trust has also announced that all routine outpatient appointments are being cancelled until at least Friday (December 23).

The Trust will continue to prioritise cancer treatment and urgent operations, but all other planned surgical activity is being postponed.

Impacted patients will be contacted.

Juliet Pearce, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: “Almost every day more people arrive at the hospital than leave, and many of these urgently need our help and a hospital bed.

“Our teams are working extremely hard to find beds for everyone who needs them. 

“We have added as many extra beds as we safely can, turning our endoscopy ward into a 10-bed ward to support the emergency department. We have appealed to all of our staff to work extra hours.

“The biggest difference we could make is to safely discharge those patients who no longer need specialist care in a hospital. 25 per cent of people in our hospital today could be better cared for somewhere else.”

Families and friends are being asked to support the NHS by collecting patients from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged and to consider offering short-term support and care for their loved ones at home.

Michele Legg, Island GP and clinical director at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: “I cannot emphasise enough how hard colleagues across the Isle of Wight are working together to ensure our patients continue to be able to access the care they need when they need it. 

“Within General Practice, this means that some routine appointments may be postponed to help clinicians treat patients who need to be seen urgently, but we will do our best to minimise disruption.

“Please be patient with us as we try to find the best possible way to help you. 

“People can also help by looking out for elderly and vulnerable people in the community during this period of cold weather and by choosing the right service at the right time.”

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is asking Islanders to:

• Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged to free up beds for those who need them.
• Consider supporting your friends or family at home if you are able to – there is financial help available.
• Being extra vigilant in the cold weather and when surfaces are slippery
• Supporting friends, family and neighbours with keeping warm, shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed
• Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury.
• Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for health advice, or contact your local pharmacist or GP.

For more information, visit the IOW NHS website HERE.