Warning over rise in young patients
A doctor on the Covid-19 frontline has warned medics are treating a rising number of patients – many of them young.
Dr Scott Davidson said that many people hit with the killer bug don’t have underlying health conditions.
The deputy medical director at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital said: “We’re now seeing a wide spectrum of patients, ranging from young adults all the way through to the more elderly and vulnerable.
“A significant number of patients do have underlying health conditions but many do not. It is important to remember Covid-19 can affect anyone and young, healthy people can become very ill indeed with this virus.
“All our healthcare workers face a significant workload.”
The respiratory consultant added that hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde “remain busy” with
Covid patients.
He said: “There’s been 328 cases in last 28 days. A smaller number are currently in ICU – 18 with Covid in total – due to changes to the way in which we’re able to treat people in comparison to the height of the first wave.
“It’s been challenging for our staff who have worked in these circumstances for many months now.
“There are also concerns about increasing numbers of patients. The NHS and
NHS staff need the public to continue to support us by rigorously following all local restrictions and public health advice. Now, more than ever, the public’s help matters.”
His warning came as a row rumbled on over schools returning south of the Border. The UK Government is facing pressure from teaching unions to delay reopening amid fears over the spread of the new strain that has already led to a plan to keep London schools closed. Scottish schools are due to return on
January 18.