The local NHS continues to urge eligible people to get vaccinated as restrictions come to an end. The vaccination programme has been key to reducing the transmission of the virus and the pressure on hospitals and health bosses are encouraging the public to continue to take up the offer of a vaccine.

There are hundreds of appointments available, and the NHS is urging all eligible people to take up the offer of a vaccine as it reduces your chances of becoming seriously unwell and protects those around you.

Those who are eligible include:

• Children aged 5-11 at higher risk from Covid-19
• Young people aged 12-15 are eligible for 2 doses
• Anyone aged 16 or over is eligible for 2 doses and a further booster

Book your Covid-19 jab: You can book on the NHS website or call 119.

Walk-in for a Covid-19 jab: Find your nearest walk-in venue.

There will be no immediate changes in clinical settings following the removal of restrictions in the community. This includes the requirement for staff, patients, and visitors to wear a face covering in healthcare settings. Reducing the transmission of the virus alongside the roll out of the vaccine programme remains the most effective defence against the entry and spread of Covid-19 in healthcare settings and as such we will continue to ask the public to follow this guidance in health settings.

Hospitals

• We have seen 114 admissions in the seven days to 20 February, which compares to 138 in the previous 7-day period
• We had 306 beds occupied by Covid+ patients on 22 February, this compares to 303 beds on 15 February
• Of those 306 beds, 3 people were mechanically ventilated and in the most critical condition
• In the week from 17-23 February there were 12 deaths, which compares to 10 the previous week

*Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals and Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust

General Practice

• Latest data shows that in January there were 485,633 GP appointments with 61 per cent of these being face-to-face and 53 per cent of patients being seen the same day of next.

Vaccinations

• Latest figures show in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 2,082,669 vaccinations have been administered since the start of the programme.
• 84.7 per cent of over 18s have now received 2 doses.
• 65.8 per cent of 18-29-year-olds have had two doses.
• 90.5 per cent of those aged 30 and over have had two doses.
• 59.1 per cent of 12-15-year-olds in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have had one dose of the vaccine.
• 66.9 per cent of over 18s have had a booster dose.

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. 

If it is not an emergency you can use a range of service, such as: 

Pharmacy 

Pharmacies can offer over the counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies. 

Visit 111 First 

Once a patients calls 111 or visits 111 online they will be navigated to the most appropriate service, first time by a trained operator. The operator will even be able to book appointments and timeslots at the most appropriate health service for your needs.

Visit the NHS Urgent Care Centre

• Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-9pm. It deals with non-life threatening injuries and health problems. You don’t need an appointment to attend. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500 
• Newark – Newark Urgent Treatment Centre at Newark Hospital is open 9am-9pm. It can be found on Boundary Road, NG24 4DE  
• Sutton In Ashfield – Primary Care 24 is open 24 hours a day and can be found at King’s Mill Hospital, NG17 4JL