While the rates of Covid-19 infection are decreasing in the community we are seeing the numbers in our hospitals respond more slowly. The numbers have stabilised over the past few weeks and are now starting to move in a more positive direction. That said, we must continue to follow the guidance so that we reduce the pressures faced by our hospitals.

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.

Latest figures:

· We have seen 247 admissions relating to Covid-19 in the seven days to 22nd November, compared with 310 for the previous seven days.

· We have 416 beds occupied by Covid+ patients as of 24th November, this compares to 450 on 17th November.

· This means the number of beds taken up by Covid patients is slowly reducing

· Of those 416 beds, around 10% were mechanically ventilated.

· This increase in beds occupied means we now have 40% more people in our hospitals than we did at the peak of the first wave in April.

· The number of new admissions to our hospital is decreasing but it is clear that the severity of the illness with those that are coming into hospital is high and there are some patients needing to be in hospital for an extended period of time

· That said, we are seeing our hospital cases begin to stabilise. 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.

· In October, we saw 536,306 appointments in general practice. Of those half a million appointments, 58% were face-to-face, and just under half (46%) were on the same day or the next day, up from 44% for October last year.

· To date, 267,127 flu vaccinations have been administered in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with 19,437 in the last 7 days. This is 57% 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: “The announcement of Tier 3 (Very High) measures for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire after the national restrictions end are reflective of the serious situation within our hospitals. While the rates of infection are decreasing in the community we are

seeing the numbers in our hospitals respond more slowly. The numbers have stabilised over the past few weeks and are now starting to move in a more positive direction. That said, we must continue to follow the guidance so we reduce the pressures faced by our hospitals.

“As the NHS and local councils gear up for the biggest vaccination programme ever seen, a number of new roles have been created to help deliver vaccinations over the coming months. We have seen an overwhelming response to these job adverts already – more than 700 applications have been received and 214 offers have already been made.

“These 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. The response to these roles has been extremely positive. There is still time to apply – do visit the website for more information.”

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.