HOSPITAL bosses have warned of a ‘perfect storm’ of pressure on emergency services amid a ‘huge influx’ of cases of flu and norovirus.

As staff at Furness General Hospital prepare for the busy Christmas period, with admissions to A&E increasing due to the cold weather, bosses have warned of increased waiting times.

At a Council of Governors meeting, the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust’s chief executive Aaron Cummins said services were under immense pressure.

“We’ve seen a significant influx of cases of flu and norovirus which is having a major impact on our figures,” he said.

“We know that winter is a busy time for our teams – and it really can be tremendously pressurised for colleagues across the trust.

“We’ve been able to get some capital money to create more medical beds at our Furness General Hospital site. These moves are going in quickly to support us during winter and will help us manage those winter pressures we experience year on year.”

Dr Lauren Dixon, a GP at Bridgegate Medical Centre and GP Executive Lead for Integrated Care at Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, is also urging visitors to stay away from hospitals if they have any symptoms of norovirus.

She added: “We know norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is currently circulating in the community so we are warning those that are vulnerable and with long-term health conditions to take extra care this winter.

“Most people make a full recovery within one or two days, however for patients who are already ill in hospital or those with long-term health conditions, norovirus can cause further health complications.

“It is, therefore, vital that we prevent the spread of this virus to protect ourselves and others.

“Norovirus is infectious, but you can treat yourself effectively at home by making sure that you drink plenty of water and rest. You are still infectious for 48 hours after your symptoms have finished so please don’t visit anyone in hospital.”