Non-urgent operations postponed

SLOUGH: The number of patients in hospital with coronavirus at the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has increased significantly.

The latest statistics from NHS England show 453 people were occupying beds at the trust’s three hospitals – Wexham Park, Heatherwood and Frimley Park – as of December 29.

This represented a 70 per cent rise compared to the 266 COVID-19 patients being cared for by the trust on December 22.

Occupancy of mechanical ventilation beds almost doubled over a seven-day period, rising from 15 to 27 according to the latest figures.

A trust spokesman said contingency plans are being rolled out to increase capacity in response to the ‘significant’ increase in coronavirus infections across the South East.

Most non-urgent operations and appointments are being postponed and those affected will be contacted by the hospital.

Anyone whose condition worsens while they are waiting for a rescheduled operation or appointment should contact their GP or hospital service.

Visits to the hospital remain suspended, with limited exceptions, but the trust is trying to bring in ‘virtual visits’, including video and telephone calls.