‘Extremely busy’ Mansfield hospitals treating double the amount of Covid patients they saw in first wave

Health chiefs at the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs King’s Mill Hospital along with Mansfield Community Hospital and Newark Hospital, have urged residents to follow lockdown guidance as they prepare for a ‘very challenging’ couple of weeks ahead.

Richard Mitchell, chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals said that critical care capacity at the sites has surged along with growing demand linked to the normal patterns of winter activity the hospitals deal with each year.

“Our hospitals are extremely busy and are getting busier,” said Mr Mitchell. “We now have nearly double the number of patients with Covid as we had during the first wave.

"Our teams remain committed to providing patients with high quality, safe care and I would like to thank them for their continued remarkable efforts in response to the pandemic.

"Colleagues are tired, worried, anxious, fatigued – we should not forget they have been working like this for ten months and they are also experiencing the impact of Covid on their personal lives for the same length of time.”

The most recent data released this afternoon (January 11) shows that a further eight coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded at the trust over the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 331.

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Mr Mitchell urged residents to ‘act responsibly’ in what will be ‘the toughest few weeks’ of the pandemic yet, according to the government.

Boris Johnson has warned that tougher lockdown measures could be imposed to prevent the NHS becoming overwhelmed as the virus spirals out of control.

"NHS hospitals are open for people who need to be in hospital and we will protect you but we need your support to look after yourself and others,” Mr Mitchell added.

"It is important we all follow the regulations and minimise the transmission risk.

"When attending our hospitals you must wear a face mask, sanitise your hands and socially distance when required to.

"Please speak to hospital staff kindly and respectfully. We know that the vast majority of patients and visitors follow these simple rules and we thank you.

"We would also like to thank our local communities for their continued support as we manage this situation and to reassure them that the NHS is very much open to those who need our care, whether that is in our hospitals or in primary care through their GP, NHS 111 or community services.”

In more positive news, Mr Mitchell revealed that the vaccination effort at King’s Mill Hospital has been well underway since December.

"In addition to providing safe care, it is positive that since early December we have been delivering the Covid vaccination at King’s Mill Hospital vaccinating people over 80, care home staff, care home residents and NHS colleagues, in line with national guidelines around prioritisation,” he said.

"If you are a member of the public waiting for a vaccination, please wait to be contacted by the NHS.”

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 subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.