Coronavirus patient treated at George Eliot

Coronavirus patient is being treated at the George

A PATIENT is being treated for coronavirus in intensive care at Nuneaton’s hospital.

And official figures released by the government show there are now seven cases across Warwickshire and three in Coventry.

Three have been confirmed in Coventry and four in Warwickshire.

The George Eliot Hospital has confirmed that it is caring for a patient with a positive case of Covid-19 coronavirus.

A spokesman for the Eliot was keen to stress that the hospital remains operational.

They also added that staff who have been in contact with the patient are acting on NHS guidance.

In a full statement, a trust spokesman said: “George Eliot Hospital is caring for a patient who has a confirmed case of Covid 19 coronavirus.

“We continue to follow national guidance on the identification and management of patients with the condition. We have stringent isolation and infection control protocols in place; and are working closely with national agencies, including Public Health England, to ensure we are doing everything possible to safeguard all those using the hospital.

“All staff who have had contact with the patient have already been traced and have been given guidance in line with Public Health England advice. They are being supported by Occupational Health colleagues.

“The hospital remains fully operational. Patients should attend their appointments as normal and staff should continue to come to work unless advised otherwise by our Occupational Health Team.”

It is not known if the patient is one of the four cases already confirmed in Warwickshire, or a new one.

Our sister paper the The Coventry Telegraph has made repeated attempts to gain information from Warwickshire County Council, which is responsible for health care across the region.

A spokesman for the county council said they would not be commenting on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.

Shade Agboola, director of public health for Warwickshire County Council, said: “I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the local authority is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Warwickshire are protected.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111 for further advice - please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves.”

Everyday, Public Health England is updating the number of confirmed cases.