More patients than first wave

More patients are now being admitted to Lanarkshire hospitals with Covid-19 than at the peak of the pandemic’s first wave in April.

Health board officials revealed 220 people with confirmed coronavirus and a further 44 suspected cases were being treated at its hospitals last week – as they hit 90 per cent capacity.

NHS Lanarkshire’s three emergency departments are also described as “exceptionally busy”, with nearly 16,000 attendances last month in addition to the coronavirus pressures; compared to a huge decrease in A&E patients to just over 9000 during the original lockdown.

Director of acute services Judith Park said: “Lanarkshire currently has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 transmission in Scotland, and [coronavirus] is causing severe pressure on our resources.

“We are currently treating more than 200 patients with confirmed Covid-19 in our hospitals, which is more patients than at the height of the first wave of the pandemic.”

She appealed to the public to follow the “Facts”advice to help reduce Covid rates and only to use Lanarkshire’s casualty departments, including at Monklands Hospital, in emergencies.

Ms Park said:“to protect our loved ones, our staff and our hospitals, it is vitally important we all follow Scottish Government guidance, especially in relation to FACTS.”

She added:“i am appealing to the public for their help in reducing the risk of Covid-19 in Lanarkshire hospitals.

“We want to provide the best and safest care for our patients and need to ensure our hospitals comply with physical distancing.

“Therefore, please do not attend our emergency departments unless it is an emergency.

“If you have an appointment, please attend alone. The exception is for children and vulnerable adults, who can be accompanied by one person.”

People who need immediate assistance should call their GP practice, or 111 out of hours. In emergencies, dial 999 and A&E should still be used for serious conditions such as suspected heart attacks, strokes, severe asthma or diabetic collapse.

Community services such as GPS, pharmacists and minor injury units are available. For more go to www.nhslanarkshire. scot.nhs.uk

Lanarkshire’s A&E departments saw 15,898 patients in September, and the health board area saw an increase of 1498 patients then needing admission to hospital, with officials saying:“this month’s figures are set to be even higher.”

Further details on current Scottish Covid-19 guidance can be found at www.gov.scot/ coronavirus-covid-19/