Somerset to stop non urgent operations
Somerset CCG has announced that “non-elective” operations will be suspended for the next 3 months. This is to free up enough beds to provide care for Coronavirus victims.
Dr Ed Ford, Chair of Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, explained that this “will enable us to train our staff, adapt certain areas and increase critical care capacity within hour hospitals. Emergency surgery will continue, and urgent cases and cancer treatments will be carrying on as normal wherever possible, but we know many people waiting for treatment will be disappointed or worried, and we will be contacting everyone affected as soon as possible.”
As of yesterday there were 20 confirmed cases of the virus in Somerset but thankfully no death as yet.
Advice
Dr Ford also took the opportunity to reiterate Government advice on the virus:
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection. If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection, however mild, please stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
The symptoms are either a high temperature or a new continuous cough. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms. This action will help protect others in your community while you are infectious.
Other things you can do to stop the infection spreading:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people, if you need to go outside