As was the case in my last update earlier this month, fortunately we are yet to see any patients with this particular strain of COVID-19 require hospital care, however we are mindful that this is just a matter of time. We already know that Omicron is extremely transmissible, and as the number of people with it grows, even if this variant is less severe (as is hoped) the demand on hospital services will still grow.
As has been the case for a several weeks now, we have around 50 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 (Delta variant) in hospital representing around 10% of our overall bed capacity but our hospitals are also very busy with non-COVID emergency cases, urgent operations and cancer care and recently our overall bed occupancy has been well over 95%.
As I have shared both publicly and with colleagues many times over this pandemic, the past 22 months have been difficult both physical and mentally, for all health and social care staff and for our communities and I recognise that spending time with family and friends at this time of year is so important but there are some steps which will make this safer. Please try to take a lateral flow test before any get togethers, practice the very best hand hygiene when you’re out and about, wear a mask when asked, or in crowded areas and isolate if you have any symptoms of the illness. If this does occur book a PCR, and if positive please isolate for the full period.
We do need to continue to try to ensure we minimise carriage of COVID-19 into our hospital undetected, and our communities can also support us in these efforts by observing our restrictions when coming to hospital, whether for an appointment, as an inpatient, or instead as a visitor. Your adherence to guidance will really make all the difference.
However, the greatest protection is vaccination and I want to urge everyone to keep themselves and their families and friends safe by supporting the vaccination programme. Our nurses, doctors and other health professionals have seen first hand the value and impact of vaccination. In the patients who have received the first and second doses of vaccine the admission rates to hospital are much lower, as is the number of patients who then go one to need intensive care.
Vaccination centres will be open in venues across Doncaster and Worksop. Local residents are advised to follow updates from NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group respectively, as well as access NHS England’s booking service here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
So please continue to lend us your support, be safe, be sensible, and enjoy your Christmas and the New Year. I am truly optimistic that in 2022 we will begin to turn the corner on COVID-19, but only if we all continue to do the right things.