Covid-19: Admissions double in 72 hours, but hospitals ‘ready for surge’

‘WE’RE AS READY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN BE’: Chief operating officer Teresa Cope

The number of people being treated for Covid-19 in Hull’s hospitals has almost doubled in the last 72 hours, as a city health boss confirmed “we are now in the second wave” of the pandemic.

In a media briefing at Hull Royal Infirmary this afternoon, it was also revealed that the total number of people who have died from the virus in the city’s hospitals since March is 229 - a grim toll that includes two members of staff.

Giving the latest figures, and outlining plans to respond to the surge, Teresa Cope, chief operating officer at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Over the last few weeks we have seen a steady rise in the number of patients coming into hospital testing positive for Covid-19.

“However, that has changed in the last 72 hours, and we have seen a much more rapid increase in the number of patients admitted to hospital who are Covid-positive.

“Whilst we are certainly not at the levels we saw during the peak of the pandemic first time around, it’s very apparent we are in the second wave. Our numbers are increasing quite considerably.

“As of today, we have 53 patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 in both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital.

“The number of deaths we have reported due to coronavirus has also increased, and sadly, as of today this now stands at 229. This also includes two of our own staff members who have lost their lives to coronavirus.”

Eight of the patients with the disease are currently in intensive care.

At the peak of the first wave on April 23 - a month after lockdown was imposed - the number of Covid-19 patients in the two hospitals was 110.

The surge comes as the health service braces itself for the traditional extra winter pressures of seasonal illnesses.

But Mrs Cope sought to reassure the public the trust was prepared and ready to respond.

She said: “We have learnt a lot on how to deal with coronavirus and we have taken on board all those lessons and factored that in to our planning for how we respond to the second wave. We are as prepared as we possibly can be.”

She added: “We have three new wards, dedicated wards, ready to assess, treat, and isolate patients, and we have a new dedicated infection ward at Castle Hill Hospital, which today is full.

“We have four critical care units - two at Hull Royal Infirmary, and two at Castle Hill - and we have plans in place expand to our critical care capacity if we need to.”

Mrs Cope and her colleagues also urged the public to play their part in limiting the spread and impact of the virus by following the guidance, including social distancing, wearing masks, and using hand sanitiser.

‘DEEPLY SORRY’ FOR CANCELLED OPERATIONS: Dr Makani Purva

Chief medical officer, Dr Makani Purva, said she was “deeply sorry” for non-Covid patients who had not been able to have planned operations, or who had otherwise been affected by the focus on dealing with the first wave.

She said: “During the first wave, we had to cancel thousands of appointments and routine surgery. This time round, we will endeavor to protect and continue as many services as possible.

“We know too many people are having to wait far too long for treatment because of the unprecedented pressures on the NHS this year, and we would like to thank every one of those people for their patience and understanding.

“We will do everything in our power to see as many patients as we can despite any additional pressures we are facing.”

Professor Russell Patmore, consultant haematologist and medical director for clinical support, also urged anyone in genuine need of hospital treatment not to stay away, whether through fear of catching the virus or worrying about being a burden.

Nationally, urgent cancer referrals fell about 50 per cent across the NHS during the first wave.

“It’s really important people realise the health service is open for business,” he said.

‘THE HEALTH SERVICE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Professor Russell Patmore

Paying tribute to their colleagues who have died from the virus - Adrian Cruttenden and Richzeal Albufera - and all who have lost loved ones, Mrs Cope said: “Adrian and Rich were a massive loss to the organisation, and they and their families, and the families of all who have lost loved ones to coronavirus, remain at the forefront of our minds as we prepare for the days, weeks, and months ahead.”