A flu outbreak has prompted health bosses to issue new measures for people visiting north Cumbria’s hospitals.
The North Cumbria Integrated Care Foundation NHS Trust, which runs the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital, plus community hospitals, said in November, there were 86 inpatients with flu, compared to 32 in 2024.
In October, there were 52 inpatients with flu, compared to seven in 2024.
People attending hospitals in north Cumbria are being asked to wear a face mask if they have respiratory or flu like symptoms to protect vulnerable patients and to stop the spread of germs.
The trust said rates of flu and other seasonal illnesses are increasing in the local community ahead of the festive period and the additional measures have been put in place for the next three weeks.
New measures being introduced mean:
- People going to hospital to use services and have respiratory or flu-like symptoms should wear a mask.
- Patients should not to attend routine appointments if they have flu-like symptoms and let the department know that they plan not to attend.
- Staff working in areas that are likely to come into contact with patients with respiratory viruses will wear masks.
- Visitors are asked not to attend if they have any respiratory or flu-like symptoms and wear a mask if they are visiting loved ones.
The flu season has started earlier than expected, the trust said.
Dr Gill Findley, executive chief nurse, said: “Flu is circulating earlier this year, and we’re already seeing more cases than last year.
“Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you so if you are eligible, please take up the flu vaccination.
“Wearing a facemask is proven to reduce the risk of germs spreading and this is vital in healthcare settings.
“People can often have very mild flu symptoms and sometimes no symptoms at all and this means they pass germs on without being aware of it.
“We also want to remind everyone how important it is to clean your hands. This is one of the simplest and most important ways to stop germs spreading and we all have a part to play.
“We have lots of hand hygiene stations in place in our sites for you to clean your hands and help us keep you, our patients and your loved ones safe.”
