Hull hospitals ‘very busy’ with rise in coronavirus patients
STAFF ALSO TACKLING THE PRESSURES OF A SURGE IN WINTER ILLNESSES AND INJURIES
HULL hospitals are feeling the strain as they battle on two fronts with a rise in coronavirus patients while dealing with the usual rise in winter illness and injury.
Many hospitals across the country are struggling to cope with many admitting they are becoming overwhelmed.
In Hull, latest figures show the number of Covid-positive patients in Hull’s hospitals has risen to one of its highest numbers since the pandemic began after a huge rise during the Christmas week.
The NHS England figures show that, between December 22-29, numbers rose by 33 from 158 to 191.
That represents a 17 per cent rise in just seven days as Covid-positive patients head towards 200.
Figures also show the most poorly patients put in mechanically ventilated beds have risen from 11 to 13.
At the height of the second wave when Hull was the worst area in the country in November, there were 183 patients in Hull’s hospitals at its peak.
But the Hull University Teaching Hospitals (HUTH) NHS Trust’s surge plan created last year is holding up.
Two new Covid wards have been created with 60 extra beds and there are 400 Covid beds available out of the 1,000 in total at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.
But it is not just about beds, but the number of staff available. It has been a tough year for the staff who have faced a huge workload under trying and distressing conditions.
Michelle Kemp, acting chief operating officer for HUTH, said: “Our hospitals are very busy with a combination of patients being admitted and cared for with Covid19, along with the usual winter pressures, which we have planned for extensively and can flex to accommodate further increases in
Covid-positive patients if necessary.
“As part of our surge plan, some staff are also being asked to work in different teams or areas, and we would like to thank them for being so supportive in ensuring patients throughout our hospitals are kept safe.”
The rise in Covid cases comes at a time when there is an increased demand due to flu season and weather-related injuries.
On Wednesday a tragic milestone was reached after it was confirmed more than 500 people who tested positive for Covid have died in Hull’s hospitals. HUTH confirmed a further six Covid-positive patients had sadly died. That brings the total number of deaths to 502.
Chris Long, chief executive of Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We have now reached a very sad point in our history by recording more than 500 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
“These people will never be just a number to us or the staff who looked after them. They are someone’s mum or dad, a grandmother or grandfather, a sister or brother, a child or a friend and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to those mourning their loss.”
Anyone requiring non-urgent medical advice can help by calling NHS 111 for alternative local sources of care and treatment.