This week our hospitals have seen the numbers of new Covid-19 admissions decrease. However, the number of patients in our hospitals is still high and while new admissions to our hospital are decreasing, the severity of the illness with those that are coming into hospital is very high.

The number one way that people can help to lower this number is to follow the national lockdown rules which came into force on 5th November – stay at home if you can, do not mix households and follow hands/face/space.

We know that new Covid-19 infections have a lag of two weeks before people might need hospital treatment so the next week will be critical in understanding whether the national lockdown is having a positive effect on our hospitals.

Latest figures:

• We have seen 310 admissions relating to Covid-19 in the seven days to 15th November, compared with 339 for the previous seven days.
• We have 450 beds occupied by Covid+ patients as of 17th November, this compares to 411 on 10th November.
• Of those 450 beds, 10.8% were mechanically ventilated.
• This increase in beds occupied means we now have 50% more people in our hospitals than we did at the peak of the first wave.
• There were 49 deaths in hospitals from 12th to 18th November – 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.
• To date, 247,690 flu vaccinations have been administered in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with 17,573 in the last 7days. This is 53% of the eligible population. Find out more about flu and if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine here: https://nottm-ccg-archive.ginger-root.co.uk/flu-guidance/
• The NHS has well-established plans for delivering vaccinations across the country including the annual flu jab and children’s immunisations and work is underway to build on these tried and tested approaches, so that when a Covid-19 vaccine is ready, staff can deliver it safely. If you are interested in helping to support the NHS in the delivery of this important and exciting work than please visit: https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/work-for-us/our-vacancies/influenza-and-the-covid-19-vaccine-bank-opportunities/

Dr Andy Haynes, Executive Lead, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System, said: “While the number of new admissions to our hospitals is decreasing, it is clear that the severity of the illness with those that are coming into our hospitals is high. The numbers are still much higher than we experienced at the peak of the first wave and we continue to see a considerable amount of deaths due to Covid-19. The next week will be critical in determining whether the public’s actions to minimise contact and reduce the infection rates are having an impact on the healthcare system.

“We have been planning for a potential Covid-19 vaccine for several months now and as those plans continue to be refined, and as we wait for a confirmed vaccine, it’s really important that everyone continues to stick to the rules as they are the only way to keep us all safe.

“As we prepare for the biggest vaccination programme ever seen, a number of new roles have been created to help support the NHS over the coming months. The role involves supporting health workers across the county to set up vaccination stations, help administer vaccines, support with disposing of clinical waste and change of PPE, while following infection control practices in place.”

Remember:

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 national lockdown restrictions but remember that healthcare is a specific exemption – so if you are ill please get in touch like you would usually and stick to your appointments unless you hear otherwise.