In the past 24 hours, we have admitted a number of patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 and, as a result, we are now caring for 201 such individuals – far beyond the first-wave earlier this year. The breakdown of this is 164 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, 16 at Bassetlaw Hospital and 21 at Montagu Hospital. Almost double where we were last Sunday.
Of these patients, eight require critical care, with three on mechanical ventilation, 20 non-invasive ventilation and 11 oxygen. Please note, contrary to some claims on social media, this does not mean the other 150 or so patients do not require high levels of hospital care, it simply means they just do not need these specific interventions and treatments.
With much sadness, we have reported that another two patients have passed away with Covid-19 having played a significant factor in the cause of death. We share our most heartfelt condolences with those affected.
On a brighter note, over the past 72 hours, 14 individuals have safely left our hospitals and we wish them all the very best in their ongoing recovery.
At the time of writing, we have cared for 1,141 patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 since March 2020. To those who make comparisons with influenza – from April 2018 to March 2019 (the financial year), we cared for 370 patients with flu. Looking at the second-wave from September, we have already cared for 408 patients who have tested positive for Covid-19. Both are extremely serious illnesses, but contrary to what some claim, this is a false equivalency as one is very much known to us and has a medically-informed quadrivalent and trivalent vaccine, and we encourage everyone to get the flu jab this year as soon as they can.
If everyone recognises this, rather than trying to explain why the impact of Covid-19 isn’t so bad, attitudes will change and as a result the rates will drop, as will hospital admissions and the impact of this new disease will be much less and we will be able to move back down the risk tiers.
As we have stated many times, we share these updates in order to be transparent with our communities. Our hospitals are extremely busy – and activity is not similar to the norm that we see at this time every year – Covid-19 is creating additional pressures, and this is why we are sharing our position, to give you context to the current restrictions we are living under.
Our health heroes within Team DBTH are doing a job which is beyond any kind words and superlatives we can muster. We are in awe of them every day, so please continue to share your support with these brave men and women, without whom we would be lost.
Thank you, continue to protect the vulnerable amongst us and help us flatten the curve – and remember, sunshine follows thunder – we will get through this together as a community.