RUH Bath

19/01/2026

Upset stomach? 😭 🤢 Stomach bugs, like norovirus, can be unpleasant and spread easily but symptoms usually get better in about 2 days.

Remember, it's important to stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms stop to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. ⚠

Search 'NHS norovirus' for self-care tips.

19/01/2026

⚠ Our Emergency Department continues to experience high demand. We’re asking for your help to share our messages urging people to consider all their options for accessing healthcare and to use the right service for their needs.

Our teams are working hard to prioritise patients by clinical need and this means if your symptoms are not an emergency, you may be waiting longer to be seen.

✅ Contact 111.nhs.uk for urgent care and advice, or 999 in an emergency only.

✅ Consider if your condition could be treated by a community pharmacist, a GP or at a minor injuries unit.

Thank you for your patience and support.

18/01/2026

Did you know... treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is now available from your pharmacist. ✅

It's one of seven common conditions you can now get prescription medicine for, without you seeing a GP.

Search 'Pharmacy First' to find out more.

17/01/2026

Upset stomach? 😭 🤢 Stomach bugs, like norovirus, can be unpleasant and spread easily but symptoms usually get better in about 2 days.

Remember, it's important to stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms stop to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. ⚠

Search 'NHS norovirus' for self-care tips.

17/01/2026

If you need urgent medical help this weekend, use NHS 111 online to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.

🦷 For urgent dental care contact your dentist or NHS 111

💊 Visit your local pharmacist for clinical advice on many minor illnesses

📍 Minor Injuries Units in Chippenham, Paulton and Trowbridge can help if you need treatment for a non-life-threatening injury.

⚠️Use 999 or A&E in an emergency.

16/01/2026

Searching for non-emergency help this weekend? 👀 Help us help you by choosing the right service for needs.

✅ Your local pharmacy can help with minor injury or illness and offer prescription medicine for some common conditions without seeing a GP.
✅ Minor Injury Units in Chippenham, Paulton and Trowbridge are open 7 days a week for urgent but not life-threatening injuries.
✅ NHS 111 can direct you to the best place to get help.

⚠️ In an emergency, come to A&E or call 999.

15/01/2026

This week, our shout out goes to our teams on the Children's Ward and in surgery.

Thank you for all your support, not only to patients but also to their families and loved ones. 🎉

14/01/2026

🤧 New year, same flu.

Protect yourself and others from flu this winter by getting your vaccine - it's not too late. Flu vaccines are available until 31 March 2026.

Search 'flu vaccine' on the NHS website.

14/01/2026

✅ Let's make 2026 the year for treating sexual health check-ups like any other routine health check.

A sexual health check-up is a normal part of adult life. It's free, confidential and can put your mind at ease.

Remember not all STIs show symptoms and early detection is important to help prevent long-term health issues. Search 'Riverside Clinic Bath' to learn more and book your appointment.

13/01/2026

🏠 Getting home from hospital - how can you help?

Is your friend or family member getting ready to leave hospital? Then we're asking for your support by taking practical steps to support them.

We won't discharge anyone before they are medically ready, and our teams will discuss plans with patients and their loved ones in advance, so you can prepare.

Helping people get home quickly is really important. We know that people prefer the comfort of their own home, and recover faster following a stay in hospital. This also frees up space for someone who still needs hospital care.

We've put together some top tips for a smooth and safe return home, and to reduce the risk of having to be readmitted.

- Make their home comfortable and warm: Are their heating, electricity and water all working? Turn the heating on, so it's comfortable when they arrive.
- Tidy up and make it safe: Remove trip hazards, clean dirty dishes and throw away mouldy food.
- Stock up on essentials: Pick up any prescriptions that are ready, and make sure there's healthy food and warm drinks ready, to help them continue their recovery.
- Check that they have a phone: This means that they can access follow-up care and call for help if they need to
- Help them with transport: Can you give them a lift home, or arrange alternative transport? It's also helpful to bring fresh, weather-appropriate clothes for the journey, if you can.
- Know who to contact if you need help: If they live in Bath and North East Somerset, you can also use the Community Wellbeing Hub, who can connect you with many local organisations and make sure tehy have the support they need long after they need hospital. To find out more, visit the team in the Atrium at the RUH (10am - 3pm, Monday - Friday) or phone 0300 247 0050.

Please share this post with friends and family. Together we can help patients to get home quickly and safely 💙

13/01/2026

✨Together we can help eliminate cervical cancer in the South West by 2040. Here are five simple steps you can take:

✅ Get vaccinated against HPV, if eligible
✅ Attend cervical screening when invited, if eligible
✅ Know the symptoms of cervical cancer
✅ Speak with your GP if you're worried about any symptoms
✅ Talk about vaccination and screening with your loved ones

Cervical cancer is preventable and HPV vaccination and cervical screening save lives.

January is and in the South West we have made a commitment that by 2030, the South West will:
✅Increase HPV vaccination rates to 90% for boys and girls
✅Ensure at least 70% of women are screened by the age of 35 and, again, by the age of 45.
✅Ensure 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive treatment

By 2040, we also aim to reduce incidence to below 4 per 100,000 women – effectively eliminating cervical cancer in our region.

These goals are achievable, so help us reach them by getting your HPV vaccine or attending your cervical screening.

Together we can stop cervical cancer. Read more on this at https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/2026/01/05/together-we-can-eliminate-cervical-cancer/