At this time of year, flu is more prevalent in the community, and hospital patients in particular can be more prone to infection.

We are urging our staff to get vaccinated, and to date, more than 80% have had their jab – however, we are also asking patients and their relatives to be vigilant.

All our services are running normally, but we want to keep it this way. As a result, members of the public are urged to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms to look out for, which are:

  • A temperature of 38 degrees
  • Muscular pain
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Runny nose

In the event you have these symptoms, we would urge members of the public not to visit our hospitals, or use our services, unless in an emergency, or if absolutely necessary.

To help you get better quickly, you should:

  • Rest and sleep
  • Keep warm
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydtration

For more information, please visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu

Thank you for helping keep our services running normally at this busy time of year.