A Cotham general practice has "several" staff self-isolating with a "huge" impact on service.
The Family Practice Western College, on Cotham Road, Bristol, texted patients today (July 16), asking them to have patience.
The message reads: "We regret to inform you that several of our team (clinicians and non-clinicians) are having to self-isolate, through no fault of their own, due to contact with people who have tested positive.
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"This has had a huge impact on the service we provide and we ask for your patience as we work through this. We are employing locums and agency staff where available and working remotely where possible.
"Thank you for your understanding and patience and please stay safe."
It comes as Bristol sees a sharp rise in coronavirus hospitalisations.
There were 39 coronavirus patients at Southmead Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) and Weston General Hospital as of Government figures released yesterday (July 15).
Six of those patients were on ventilators — three at BRI and Weston General, which are both run by the same trust, and three at Southmead.
The three hospitals had a total of 17 coronavirus patients, as of the update from Sunday (July 11). Five of those patients were on ventilators.
Bristol's public health director Christina Gray said yesterday: "Bristol’s rising rate of infection is now 559 cases per 100,000 population. The England rate stands at 342 cases per 100,000. The high positivity rate of 14.2 per cent is an indication that the virus is widely circulating in our communities.
"From July 19, the majority of legal restrictions will be lifted in England. However, as our data shows, infection rates in Bristol are very high. The virus transmits through the air and social mixing.
"To keep yourself and others safe we encourage you to get vaccinated, participate in testing and self-isolate when required. Although it will not be a legal requirement, we encourage you to wear a mask, make space, meet outdoors and ventilate spaces to protect yourself and others."
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