No time for complacency as hospital numbers drop
Here’s another batch of pets who have helped you stay positive during the pandemic. Thanks to everyone who posted a picture via our Facebook page.
The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals operated by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has dropped below 200 for the first time since lockdown was imposed – but health bosses warn now is not the time to be complacent.
Despite the fall, overall numbers of Covid patients remain high and public health bosses say they are still treating many patients within intensive care units who are seriously ill.
Health chiefs are also urging the public to continue to follow the vital rules and take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine when contacted by the NHS.
At its peak on January 26, 251 Covid patients were in the trust’s hospitals – which is significantly more than at the height of the first lockdown.
Following weeks of national restrictions, the number of patients fighting the virus has dropped to 180 according to the latest available figures from February 9.
There are 13 patients in hospital on ventilators.
With non-essential shops and eateries closed and people told to stay at home, the number of cases of the virus has dropped in North East.
Peter Sutton, Director of Planning and Business Development at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has been leading the Trust’s emergency response to the pandemic.
He said: “Thankfully we are now starting to see some reduction in the number of people in our hospitals with Covid-19 but the overall numbers still remain very high and we are still treating many patients within our intensive care units who are very seriously ill.
"As always, our staff continue to go above and beyond to put the needs of our patients first whether they are receiving treatment in our hospitals or being cared for by our many community
teams. It really is a true team effort and we are immensely proud of each and every colleague.
“Whilst this downward trend in overall hospital admissions is encouraging, our message for the public remains very clear – there is absolutely no room for complacency now.
"I would urge everyone to keep following the vital rules around hands, face, space and to take up your offer of a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as the NHS contacts you.”
Gentoo bosses have revealed that an investigation has been launched to discover the source of problem which caused high rise flat residents to be without heating for three days.
Residents at Church Street and Dock Street tower blocks in the Monkwearmouth area of Sunderland had to endure freezing temperatures with no heating or hot water on Saturday, February 13, Sunday, February 14 and parts of Monday, February 15.
The hot water and heating have now been restored to residents in both tower blocks via an alternative energy source – with staff from Gentoo and contractor Engie remaining on site throughout the week to support those living there.
The Echo understands that the ground source heating system, which takes heat from the earth’s core and transfers it into renewable energy, had broken down.
Almost a week on, Gentoo have said that the reason for the fault still isn’t clear and that they are investigating to find the cause.
Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo Group, has apologised to all the affected residents and confirmed that work into discovering the cause of the incident is ongoing.
Mr Wilson said: "We are pleased to confirm that full heat and hot water has been restored to both Church and Dock Street tower blocks via an alternative source.
“Colleagues from Gentoo and contractor Engie have been on site throughout the week supporting residents and keeping them informed.
"Our investigation to find the cause is still ongoing. .”
A burglar told his victim "it's not your house" after helping himself to food and Fosters lager while she was out for the day.
Antoni Adams' victim got home to find him standing at the window.
When the woman asked what he was doing, the raider replied: "It's not your house, I've been here all day".
Newcastle Crown Court heard that there were signs he had been there for some time and had enjoyed a cup of coffee, a can of Fosters and had eaten food all around the flat.
The woman had left her home on Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland, on the evening of July 13 last year and returned around 24 hours later.
Prosecutor Joe Hedworth told the court: "When she arrived she noticed an open window and she saw a man looking out of her window directly at her.
"She asked what on earth he was doing and he said 'It's not your house, I've been here all day'.
"He asked her not to phone the police but she did."
The victim noticed that the lock on her door had been forced to gain entry to the flat.
There was damage to a coffee table leg, which had a cup of coffee on it which was not there when she had left.
She also noticed a lighter which did not belong to her and a charity box had been moved.
She also saw that watch which had been in a drawer was now on a window sill and handbags and purses had been gathered together on the sofa.
A deep fat fryer had been moved and there was a can of Fosters on the bench.
There were also "signs food had been eaten all over the flat".
Mr Hedworth said: "She said she was terrified and couldn't stay there in case he returned, at the end of last year at least.”
He added: "She checked her handbags and purses and noticed her debit card was missing."
The court heard Adams, 33, of Warwick Terrace, Sunderland, has 93 previous convictions.
He admitted burglary and has now been jailed for two years and five months.
Mr Recorder Fanning said that the only mitigation in his case was his guilty plea.
A 68-year-old Seaham woman who tragically died in a house fire has been named as muchloved grandmother Doris Sherwin, her family have confirmed.
Firefighters were called to a blaze at a house on Bethune Avenue, Seaham, at around 5.40am on Thursday, and found a woman inside who sadly died at the scene.
No one else was injured in the fire or rescued from the property.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, but it is not believed to be suspicious at this time.
Now, the woman’s family have confirmed her identity as Doris Sherwin – nee Willis – who was a popular resident on Bethune Avenue for 29 years.
The 68-year-old had sadly lost her husband Robert Sherwin, aged 69, to cancer in September 2020. The couple had been married for 45 years.
A mother of two sons, aged 36 and 45, Doris also leaves behind two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
One of her sons said that Doris was the second-longest resident on the street and was a member of the local residents’ association.
He added that she was a popular lady and well-known.
Neighbours have paid tribute to Doris as they expressed their shock and heartbreak following the devastating news.
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve known her since I was a child.
"She used to take us to the fields near Queensbury to play rounders – she took all the kids off the street.
"She was one of the most amazing women in the world. Everybody knew her around here, she’s been here over 20 years.
"I've known the family all my life, everyone is heartbroken and the community is hurting.”
Another neighbour said: "I just can’t believe it, everyone round here can’t believe what has happened – it’s tragic.
"She was such a big character, loved by everyone and will be greatly missed by so many.”
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Colin Davis said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the woman’s family and friends at this time.
"Our fire investigation team is now working to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.”