Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust prepares for busy festive season
Chief nurse asks for public support amid high patient numbers this winter
Hospitals in Wiltshire, including the Great Western Hospital, are bracing for winter pressures with high numbers of patients seeking urgent care and capacity reaching over 95%, according to the trust’s chief nurse, Luisa Goddard.
Speaking during an interview on 10th December, Ms Goddard explained the hospital remains busy during the festive season and is making plans to accommodate increased attendances around Christmas and New Year.
“We are seeing high numbers of patients needing urgent emergency care that may also require inpatient care. Bed capacity is regularly above 95%,” Ms Goddard said.
The hospital will prioritise patients based on the severity of their condition, meaning wait times may increase at peak periods.
Ms Goddard acknowledged the immense effort of healthcare staff in managing the rising demand. "Our staff are working really hard and doing a brilliant job to deliver care as efficiently as possible, with compassion," she said.
Children’s services have also seen a spike in activity, with a 53% increase in attendances between the last week of November and the first week of December. Much of this has been driven by winter viruses such as RSV and flu.
Ms Goddard advised parents and guardians to recognise symptoms early and consider self-care at home where appropriate. “Runny nose, cough, sneezes, high temperatures, shivers, and chills can often be managed with over-the-counter medicines, bed rest and plenty of fluids," she noted.
For advice, parents can refer to the Healthier Together website, which offers guidance for local families.
To ease pressure on emergency services, the chief nurse encouraged people to explore alternatives before coming to hospital.
“We ask people to think pharmacy first, as pharmacists can treat common conditions like sore throats or earaches and prescribe antibiotics. Local minor injury units are also a good alternative with shorter wait times for issues like broken bones,” Ms Goddard explained.
She also reminded residents eligible for the flu vaccine to get their shot, which could help prevent hospital admissions and protect those around them.
Addressing preparations for Christmas and New Year, Ms Goddard stated: “We’re asking for public help if you have a loved one in hospital. Collect them as soon as they’re ready to leave and prepare their home by stocking medicines, making sure the house is warm, and the fridge filled.”
Discharging patients quickly frees up beds for those waiting in urgent and emergency care, she added.
The hospital aims to keep morale up for young patients who remain in care over Christmas. Ms Goddard noted: “Our staff on the children’s ward wear Christmas scrubs and make the environment as festive as possible to brighten the experience for those who need to stay.”