Current visiting times

We know how important it is for patients and families to be able to see visitors. Please help us keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by checking the guidance below before you visiting. 

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication.  Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Voluntary Services team can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

Current visiting times

After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication.  Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

Our Strategy – Working Together, Improving Together

Our strategy sets out our vision, values, strategic aims and most importantly, how we will deliver against these ambitions for our patients, communities, and people in the future.

It is not just a document, it is for and about everyone at PHU, building on what we have achieved with a renewed focus on continuous improvement and the need to continue to work together and improve together to achieve our goals. 

A full copy of the strategy can be downloaded here.

For more information, please visit our strategy webpage.

There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Trust, from volunteering to attending our public meetings, our Annual General Meeting or our hospital open day which is held every year.

Keeping well this Winter

Last updated: 22 December 2023

Winter is a challenging time of year for many and it is important that we all know how to access the right services for our needs.

Being prepared, taking steps to support our own health and wellbeing and knowing where to go to get the right care in the right place at the right time are actions we can all take to help stay happy and healthy through this season. Below you will find information about different illnesses that are common at this time of year and the support available to you to stay healthy. 

If you have a minor illness, pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of conditions. They can also tell you if you then need to contact your GP practice. It is best to call a pharmacy or contact them online before visiting in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them. You can find a local pharmacy here.

If your pharmacist thinks you need support from your GP practice, you can contact your surgery online or over the phone. However, there are a range of people who can provide expert help and therefore you may not always see your GP. Your practice will advise if they believe you need to go in for an appointment in person.

Our Emergency Departments is here for people with life-threatening conditions only. If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visiting 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. Please help us to keep our Emergency Department free for those who need them most.

 

Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days.

The main symptoms of Norovirus are:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • diarrhoea
  • being sick (vomiting)

You may also have:

  • a high temperature
  • a headache
  • aching arms and legs

Treatment:

  • You can usually treat yourself or your child at home.
  • The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.

How to limit the spread of Norovirus:

  • Stay at home and get plenty of rest. Don’t return to work or send children back to school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water. Alcohol hand gels don’t kill the virus.
  • Use bleach-based household cleaners and hot water to disinfect household surfaces and commonly used objects.
  • Avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for other people.
  • Use detergent to wash contaminated clothing and bedding at 60°C and use disposable gloves if possible. 

     

One of the most common illnesses during the winter period is Flu which will often get better on its own, but can make some people very unwell. 

Flu symptoms 

  • a sudden high temperature
  • an aching body
  • feeling tired or exhausted
  • a dry cough
  • a sore throat
  • a headache
  • difficulty sleeping
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhoea or tummy pain
  • feeling sick and being sick

 The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that can come and go in a seasonal pattern. During Winter, symptoms of SAD can be more apparent and noticeable.

Symptoms of SAD:

  • a persistent low mood
  • a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
  • irritability
  • feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
  • feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
  • sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
  • craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
  • difficulty concentrating
  • decreased sex drive

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.

You should consider seeing the GP if you think you might have SAD and you're struggling to cope.

The GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health. They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour.

 

  • Know Where To Go: There are lots of place to get help for illnesses and injuries, including your local pharmacy, NHS111 and Urgent Treatment Centres:
  • Teach your child to wash their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes.
  • Babies and children are more at risk of dehydration. Make sure your child drinks water to stay hydrated.
  • Make sure your child is up to date with their vaccines to protect them against illnesses such as measles, meningitis and flu. Contact your GP.
  • Having a stocked medicine cabinet can help with treating your child at home. A thermometer, children’s ibuprofen, paracetamol and teething gels can be handy.
  • Use the Healthier Together website (www.what0-18.nhs.uk) for advice and symptom checkers.

Download our free winter child health tips colouring page here.

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Queen Alexandra Hospital,
Cosham,
Portsmouth,
PO6 3LY

  • 023 9228 6000

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