Flu jab plea with hospitals under 'severe pressure'

COMMUNITY leaders in Staffordshire are urging families in the county to take up the offer of a flu jab as hospitals come under 'severe pressure.

- By DAVE KNAPPER

Critical incidents were declared at both the Royal Stoke University Hospital and Stafford's County Hospital this week due to 'extremely high demand' being placed on the facilities.

And the Burton Mail revealed on Saturday how the number of patients struck down by flu in hospitals run by the University Hospitals of Derby & Burton has almost doubled in a week from 20 at the end of November to 35 in the week ending December 7.

Now leaders at Staffordshire County Council are urging people to get their flu jab ahead of the Christmas break, saying the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms and, in turn, keep residents out of hospital.

As of Tuesday last week, the Royal Stoke had 73 inpatients with flu including two in critical care. UHNM bosses have since been 'recommending' staff in departments such as A&E, children's assessment, and oncology and renal departments wear face masks.