Hospital staff stricken with Covid after party
AT least 10 workers at a Birmingham hospital have succumbed to Covid following the staff Christmas party, a whistleblower alleged.
And, with tests continuing, the pandemic casualties at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital look certain to rise.
It is claimed the hospital is still counting the cost of the seasonal shindig on December 17.
A source said: “There’s been a rush on positive tests – and it all stems from the party.
“Everyone worries that is the tip of the iceberg.”
The hospital, in Bristol Road, Northfield – a feature in the city since 1877 – is world renowned for its quality of care.
Its website states: “We take pride in delivering exceptional patient care. Our specialist teams include surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, radiologists and pathologists; all of whom are highly skilled and experienced professionals. When you choose The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital you’re choosing the very best treatment from an award winning team who will put you at the centre of your care.”
The Post put the insider’s claims to management.
They declined to comment on specific details, but stressed the hospital’s “operational ability” remained unaffected.
A spokesman for the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Trust rigorously follows the UK Health Security Agency Infection Prevention and Control measures and all national guidance to protect patients and staff as we continue to work through the global pandemic.”
He added: “As part of our standard day-to-day operations we monitor staffing levels and there are no issues affecting our operational ability.”
Claims of the party infection came amid news Omicron is now rising more rapidly in the Midlands.
The time taken for cases to double in the West Midlands is less than two days in over half of areas.
Sandwell’s Director of Public Health, Dr Lisa McNally, said on
Twitter: “Suspected Omicron cases doubling time is still less than two days in over half of areas. West Midlands now has faster doubling times than London and the South East.”
Several Covid hotspots have emerged across the West Midlands as the alarming spread of Omicron contributes to a record-breaking rise in cases across the country.
But it has since emerged that the variant is milder than Delta.