Hospitals’ plea after ‘holding the hands of dying Covid patients’
HULL ROYAL INFIRMARY AND CASTLE HILL HAVE MORE PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 THAN DURING THE FIRST WAVE
HULL now has more patients with coronavirus in hospitals than it did during the first wave, according to o latest figures.
Hull Royal Infirmary and d Castle Hill Hospital currently has 117 patients being treated for coronavirus – up by nine from m Wednesday’s total of 108.
The number of patients in intensive care has dropped in the past two days from 15 to ten.
The latest daily figures means that t both hospitals are now caring for r more patients with coronavirus than during the first wave of the virus.
Hull now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in Yorkshire and the Humber.
That is according to the latest NHS data, which has revealed that 591 people in every 100,000 in the city have tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest seven-day window.
Below that is North East Lincolnshire with 569.1, Bradford with 560.8, Kirklees with 534.6 and Barnsley with 485.7.
Hull also has the highest rate of hospital triages as a result of coronavirus.
Hospital bosses are now hoping for the four-week lockdown restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “During the first wave, our staff comforted and held the hands of patients who were dying because their relatives couldn’t be with them.
“They were tired, sore and n auseous after 12 and 13-hour-plus shifts working in full PPE.
“Many moved into different areas of work completely to ensure our most seriously ill patients were prioritised.
“Some staff even separated from their own families temporarily so they could keep on working and protect their loved ones from the effects of this debilitating disease.”
Hospital bosses have encouraged people in Hull and East Yorkshire to “respect” the lockdown restrictions in a bid to lower hospital admissions.
“It was only a few months ago when people clapped on their
doorsteps in their thousands in support of NHS and care workers.
“It was a wonderful gesture of solidarity, but we don’t necessarily need that now.
“What we need is for you to help us, our patients, and everyone within the Hull and East Riding community by following the rules.
“Respect the lockdown restrictions. Cover your face, wash and sanitise your hands, and remember to social distance if you have to go out.
“Use health services wisely, but make sure you keep your appointments if you have them – medical services are continuing throughout lockdown, and staff will do all they can to keep you safe when you arrive at the hospital or clinic.”