Hospitals plead with public to abide by the rules

PRESSURE ON SERVICES IN THE SOUTH LIKELY TO SPREAD HERE

CITY hospitals are pleading with the public to stick to the Tier 4 restrictions as surging case numbers overwhelm hospitals in the south of England.

Record numbers of new cases have been recorded on recent days in the UK.

Dr Alison Pittard, dean of the UK’s Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, said: “Everyone has seen what is happening in London and the pressure that is putting both on organisations and on staff as well.

“We fear it is only a matter of time before it starts to spread to other parts of the country – and we are already starting to see that.

“It is really important we try to stop the transmission in the community because that translates into hospital admissions.”

While exact numbers have not been released, the number of people with Covid-19 being cared for at Leicester’s hospitals is at its highest level since the pandemic began in March, the hospitals trust said.

The trust said it was experiencing “significant pressures” as the coronavirus pandemic adds to the normal increase in illness and injury over the winter months.

The emergency department at Leicester Royal Infirmary is currently seeing “high numbers of very ill people with complex needs” according to the hospital.

People are being asked to use NHS services wisely and stick to the social distancing rules.

A hospital spokeswoman said: “Doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff are working tirelessly to ensure we can safely continue to treat patients despite the significant and combined challenges of rising numbers of Covid19-positive cases and annual winter pressures.

“We are grateful for the public’s continued support and co-operation.

“Please help us to help you by following the public health advice on social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of face coverings.”

Leicestershire and most of the other Midlands counties are now in Tier 4, which requires hairdressers, gyms and non-essential shops to close, as well as restaurants and pubs, which have been shut since the beginning of November.