Hospital staff are caring for double the number of Covid patients than in the first wave
HOSPITAL staff are looking after nearly double the amount of Covid-19 patients than they had in the first wave peak.
Latest figures show Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, which runs Queen Alexandra
Hospital, was caring for 457 Covid-19 patients as of last Tuesday, compared with a first-wave peak of 244 Covid19 patients.
Across the south east 15 out of 18 hospital NHS trusts are recording patient levels higher than at the peak of the first wave.
Chief executive of PHU, Mark Cubbon tweeted on Friday: ‘A difficult week for all @ QAHospitalNews and for our partners.
‘Thanks to everyone who has suppor ted us, especially those in our local community. It matters a great deal to know you’re behind us.’
It comes as health bosses have urged residents to follow lockdown rules to help slow the spread of the virus.
Speaking to The News last week, Mr Cubbon spoke on the importance of following the hands, face, space rules.
Helen Atkinson, director of public health at Portsmouth City Council, added: ‘Now is the time for us all to stay at home, and do our bit to help slow the spread, protect our vital NHS ser vices and save lives.
‘Your actions over the coming weeks can and will make a difference.’
Concerns have been raised over the number of people heading to Southsea seafront during the first week of lockdown.
One resident told The News at the weekend: ‘Ever y coffee shop or take away stop was packed with people and my daily walk along the seafront was impossible as had to constantly diver t from people.
‘I live at the seafront and so I never take the car for going for a walk as the message is ver y clear. Stay at home!
‘People need to play their part and stop being selfish.’
Public Health England figures show that 8,923 people had been confirmed as testing positive in Portsmouth for Covid-19 by 9am on Friday.
Positive Covid-19 tests across Hampshire increased by 1,228 from Thursday to Friday last week to a total 38,680 people.
The total number of Covid-19 patients in all hospitals in England – including mental health and community trusts – currently stands at 29,346. This is 55 per cent above the first wave peak of 18,974 on April 12.