Coronavirus: How people can help QA and the rest of the NHS in Portsmouth as second wave begins to bite

The News reported this week that Dr John Knighton, the medical director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, which runs QA, had warned that the hospital was treating more patients with Covid in intensive care and in other wards of the hospital.

The seven-day rolling rate of cases for the city now stands over 200 new infections per 100,000 people after climbing steadily over the last few weeks – and surrounding areas are also seeing rates increase. There have been three Covid-linked deaths in the last few days.

Now QA has asked people in the area to – where possible – call 111 rather than just turn up to A&E under the ‘111 First’ scheme

While bosses stress that patients will always be treated and never turned away, those who need care less urgently will be given an appointment in A&E. This means they will spend less time waiting to be seen – and in turn decreases their chance of passing on – or contracting – coronavirus.

QA was chosen to test out the 111 A&E appointment scheme over the summer, and now, after trials in a few other hospitals, it will be adopted across the country.

Dr Knighton said: ‘The rate of Covid-19 locally is rising rapidly, and we are treating an increasing number of patients with Covid-19 at QA, many of whom are seriously ill.

‘It is more important than ever that we all continue to do follow national guidance, to reduce the rate of transmission, especially to older or more vulnerable groups, and help reduce the spread of infection in our communities. This will help protect loved ones, the NHS and save lives. If we don’t follow this guidance now there is a real risk that the rate of Covid-19 locally will rise more rapidly, and that our local NHS services could be placed under significant strain over coming weeks.

‘We continue to closely monitor and respond to emerging evidence about the virus, its prevalence and impact in our community. We are working closely with health and care partners and have plans in place to step up our response further as required. We are doing more than ever to prepare for winter while maintaining our preparedness for additional Covid-19 patients.’

He stressed the importance of calling 111, saying: ‘Contacting 111 First helps patients to access the right care in the right place at the right time and helps us to maintain social distancing in our Emergency Department.

‘Our ED remains open at all times and anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should still attend or dial 999.’

So far more than 1,250 patients have used the 111 First scheme to get a slot at the emergency department. It started on June 30.

And as well as booking an A&E slot, it will also direct people with non-life-threatening injuries and conditions to other places, if it means they will be helped sooner.

This could be their GP, a local pharmacy, the minor injuries unit at Gosport War Memorial Hospital or Petersfield Community Hospital, or St Mary’s Urgent Treatment Centre.

Dr Barbara Rushton, chairman of South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: ‘It is really important that people know the NHS is still here to help – every day. Our priority is to keep you safe while making sure you get the care you need. If someone has a problem and feels they need care or advice, then they should absolutely get in touch with their GP practice, by using e-consult or calling first, so we can make sure they get the help they need, as soon as possible.

‘Please don’t visit your surgery without an appointment. Some people might not want to bother their GP but it is important to check out any concerns .As a doctor I would much rather people get in touch to put their mind at rest.’

Getting a flu vaccination is also high up the list of ways the public can keep themselves safe.

Helen Atkinson, director of public health at Portsmouth City Council, said: ‘This new lockdown will save lives and help ensure our local NHS services are not overwhelmed this winter. It will take a little time to see the results so please remain patient and commit to the rules and guidance that we know work - 'hands, face, space' on the occasions we do need to leave our homes. Keep these outings to the absolute minimum and for essential trips for exercise, food shopping and medical appointments or to escape harm at home. From Thursday we also can’t mix with other households unless you're in a support bubble.

‘It remains crucial that if you have symptoms you don't leave home except to get tested. People that live with you need to remain at home too. If you test positive you, and those you live with, need to follow the self-isolation guidance to avoid spreading the virus to others.

‘So many of you have done an amazing job in following the guidance this far and helping Portsmouth to keep its infection rate lower, thank you, but I urge everyone to keep going. Visit portsmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest advice and information for the city.’