As we come out of lockdown and into Tier 3 (Very High) measures we are seeing the numbers of Covid-19 positive patients in our hospitals stabilise. In the last week we have seen bed occupancy in our hospitals fall below 400, which is a significant step in the right direction. However, we are still seeing 30% more patients in our hospitals than at the April peak.

The number one way that people can help to lower this number is to follow the local Tier 3 (Very High) lockdown rules which came into force on 2nd December – stay at home if you can, do not mix households and follow hands/face/space.

Latest figures:

• We have seen 246 admissions relating to Covid-19 in the seven days to 29^th November, compared with 247 for the previous seven days.
• We have 375 beds occupied by Covid+ patients as of 1^st December, this compares to 416 on 24th November.
• Of those 375 beds, around 9% were mechanically ventilated.
• This means we now have 27% more people in our hospitals than we did at the peak of the first wave in April.
• In the week from 26th November to 2nd December we saw 56 deaths in our hospitals 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, 277,556 flu vaccinations have been administered in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with 10,429 in the last 7 days. This is 60% 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/
• So far, we have had more than 1,200 applications to support with the Covid-19 vaccination delivery with 254 people ready to start. 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: “This week saw news of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine being approved for clinical use by regulators. While the news is a very positive step forward, we must continue to follow guidance to make sure we continue to reduce the pressure on our hospitals.

“The NHS has a proven track record of delivering large scale vaccinations from the winter flu jab to BCG and, once the final hurdles are cleared and the vaccine arrives in our hospitals, we will be ready to deliver this programme of work.

“As part of this work we are recruiting for a number of roles to support the NHS to help deliver vaccinations over the coming months. We have seen an overwhelming response to these job adverts already but we still have more roles to fill.

 “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 https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/work-for-us/our-vacancies/influenza-and-the-covid-19-vaccine-bank-opportunities/”

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.