Deaths from Covid caught in hospital were more than those recorded

sir – As a medical examiner, I have scrutinised hospital deaths since the start of the pandemic. It was evident early on that significant numbers of patients who came into hospital without Covid-19 were acquiring it there (report, November 9).

However, it was not until later that medical examiners were asked to categorise these patients according to the likelihood of infection being contracted in hospital, and to report probable and definite cases for further investigation. Thus, the true number of patients who caught Covid in hospital and later died must be more than the 11,600 recorded by the NHS.

Like Jeremy Hunt, I am appalled by this, and by how long it took the NHS to admit it. Mr Hunt implied that transmission from staff to patients was the main source of infection, but it was clear to me that it was mutual.

Initially, hospitals had no rapid testing. Reliance on clinical diagnosis meant that Covid patients were placed on non-covid wards, and vice-versa. Wards were overcrowded and staff overworked and in short supply as they too became ill. Distancing was often impossible due to inadequate facilities, and infection control teams were fighting a losing battle.

Most importantly, the NHS totally failed to prepare for such a pandemic. Hospitals had insufficient PPE, too few isolation beds and a paucity of staff to use them effectively.

We are in a better position now, thanks to vaccination, but the problem of poor facilities to control infection remains. This must be the priority, as well as staff numbers. Honesty and transparency from the NHS are also vital if lessons are to be learnt.

Dr David Niblett

Turvey, Bedfordshire

sir – At a local recycling centre, there’s a sign showing the percentage of waste recycled. If hospitals displayed the percentage of staff who have been vaccinated, the public would have an idea of the risk involved in visiting. Paddy Shillington

Louth, Lincolnshire sir – Like Sandra Shallcross (Letters, November 11), I was prescribed Astrazeneca as I have allergies, but when I went for a booster jab none was available. I rang 119 for information, but was told to try my surgery. After queuing for some time, I was told that the concerns about Pfizer no longer apply and I could have it – which I did, with no ill effects.

There seems have been a breakdown in communication.

Sandra Jones

Old Cleeve, Somerset

sir – You report (November 10) that French citizens aged over 65 will be required to have had a Covid booster jab if they wish to take a train or go to a restaurant, café or cultural venue, and that it is expected that this will also apply to tourists and expats.

As British booster jabs are not recorded on the NHS app, how are British visitors supposed to prove that they have had it?

Patricia Jagger

Elstow, Bedfordshire