The NHS has prepared well for this second wave and we have learned a lot.  We have new life saving treatments, and better understand the oxygen treatments. Survival rates in intensive care have increased from 72% to 85%. Nationally we have enough PPE for four months.  We have been working together across health and care for years now and we are confident that we have the plans we need in place.  But we need everyone to do their part and follow the guidance so we do not have to activate these plans.    

The number one way that people can help is to follow the Very High Alert rules – not mix households indoors or outdoors, limit social interaction wherever possible and certainly within the Rule of Six and adhere to Hands/Face/Space.  

The rise in infections in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire continues to drive an increase in hospitalisations and also deaths. 

• We have seen 326 admissions relating to Covid-19 in the seven days to 25th Oct, compared with 226 for the previous seven days
• We have 361 beds occupied by Covid+ patients as at 27th October 
• Of those 361 beds, 7.8% are Mechanically Ventilated.
• We now have 40% more people with Covid in our hospitals than we did at the start of April in the peak of the first wave.
• There were 49 deaths in our area in the seven days to 28th October – for comparison, the whole of July and August saw just two deaths.  
• In September, we saw 530,413 appointments in general practice, 3.5% more than the same month last year.
• Of those half a million appointments, 56% were face-to-face, and just under half (48%) were on the same day or the next day, up from 44% for September last year.  

The NHS is here for you and so if you are concerned about a new lump or mole or have any other health issues then please get in touch with your GP or in an emergency call 999.  If you are unsure which service you need, call 111 or go to 111 Online who will advise you on the best service for your needs. 

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, including a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste, then get a test by calling 119 or go online to https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

The best way that we can all help with the situation is by following the Very High Alert level restrictions which you can see the details of here: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/new-covid-restrictions/ and here: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/local-covid-alert-levels