Last week, the Great Western Hospital (GWH) in Swindon witnessed a significant influx of children with respiratory illnesses, with nearly 700 requiring urgent care. In response, the hospital is urging parents to reserve visits to the treatment center for emergencies only. Despite this plea, the hospital assures the public that their doors remain open to patients seeking necessary care.

The rise in cases can be attributed to the prevalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common winter virus causing symptoms similar to a cold, including coughs, rapid or labored breathing, and drowsiness. Comparing the numbers to the first week of September, GWH observed attendance at the children's emergency department and urgent treatment center surge by over a third. Furthermore, the number of children seeking assistance for breathing difficulties exceeded the combined totals of the previous two weeks.

Dr Phil Peacock, a consultant in paediatric emergency medicine, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the symptoms of RSV to determine the need for medical attention. He explains that the previous week alone witnessed almost 700 children utilizing urgent and emergency care services, indicating a more than 30% increase compared to early September. Dr. Peacock highlights that many of these cases were children presenting with coughs, colds, and other respiratory problems.

Due to the high volume of attendances at the urgent care unit, longer wait times have become unavoidable as the hospital assigns priority to children with severe illnesses or injuries. Dr. Peacock encourages parents and carers to consider alternate services that may provide quicker access to care, and he recommends contacting 111 for advice before heading to the emergency department.

Despite the hospital's efforts to manage the surge in child respiratory cases, GWH emphasizes that they are prepared to provide care to those who require it. Maintaining an open-door policy, the hospital aims to address concerns and offer assistance to worried parents and carers. Consequently, it is crucial that individuals evaluate their need for emergency care and explore alternative avenues whenever suitable.

The Great Western Hospital remains determined to safeguard the community's health, urging parents and carers to be mindful of the resources available and to seek appropriate care, enabling efficient and effective treatment for all.