Rising infection rates across Midlands, including Mansfield, contributes to over capacity of hospital beds

Rising infection rates of Covid-19 across Midlands, including in Mansfield, have contributed to the over capacity of hospital beds for patients in critical care by two-fold.

According to the hospital trust data shared by Deputy Editor at Health Service Journal, Dave West, 23 hospital trusts have at least double the number of patients in adult critical care (covid and non-covid) than they actually had staffed beds for last winter in total.

This includes hospitals run by Sherwood Forest Trust, which is at over double capacity or 204 percent as of January 24.

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In a tweet, he wrote: "That's despite having cancelled most of the planned hospital operations which normally rely on critical care.

"'Surgical' critical care capacity beyond 100 percent comes with great sacrifice for patients and staff.

"One hundred trusts were at or over last year's total capacity as of January 24".

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In response, NHS in the Midlands said the rates of coronavirus infection across the Midlands have risen steeply and this is reflected in increasing pressure on NHS services.

A spokesperson said: "The NHS is continuing to provide urgent care when people need it and our local hospitals have done an amazing job in flexing their capacity to meet demand.

"We would urge the public to continue observing social distancing rules and hands, face and space advice."

Public Health England said 205 patients were admitted to Sherwood Forest Trust hospitals as of January 26, with 18 on ventilation.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.