Two ambulance stations in Wiltshire have been locked down after a virus outbreak – with many frontline medics forced to wear masks.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has declared a Business Continuity Incident amid rising sickness levels across the county.
At an incident in Swindon on Sunday (5 April), an Operational Commander – who is deployed to the most serious emergencies across the region – was spotted wearing a surgical mask.
In a letter sent to workers, a clinical team manager confirmed outbreaks of a viral infection at Salisbury and Chippenham ambulance stations.
Some staff are suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting believed to be linked to a stomach bug, with strict infection control measures and operational changes brought in to prevent the spread.
The two affected stations have been locked down, with staff told not to enter unless they are assigned to work there. Administrative and non-operational staff are to be relocated.
Salisbury-based ambulance crews have been told they must wear surgical masks when on station, in the cab of an ambulance or while in contact with a patient.
Mental health response vehicles, usually located at Chippenham Ambulance Station, have been relocated to the training centre at nearby Methuen Park, the letter states.
“I would like to reassure you that at present, the intel is not suggestive of any severe illnesses outside of viral illnesses”, the clinical team manager added.
“Please be aware, the above information is to be adhered to until further notice. You will receive an email advising when the Business Continuity Incident (BCI) and Outbreak Status’ are stood down.”
