Open letter: An update on COVID-19 from DBTH (7 December)

An update for the people of Doncaster and Bassetlaw from our Chief Executive and former Registered Nurse, Richard Parker OBE.

As an organisation, we are braced for another challenging winter period as our services come under increased pressure, as is common for this time of year, and COVID-19 continues to circulate within our communities. At present and at any one time, we have anywhere between 50 and 70 patients needing hospital care who have tested positive for COVID-19, representing around 10% of our overall bed capacity. Of these, around 10 require critical care, with the ratio of those unvaccinated being  above 70%.

Undoubtedly, the word on everyone’s mind at the moment is ‘Omicron’, as this new variant continues to cause concern across the country, and one which has the potential to replace Delta as the most dominant strain of the virus in the coming weeks.

Fortunately, at the time of writing, we are yet to see any cases of this particular variant locally, however it is likely to be just a matter of time. Since news of this development, we have taken the opportunity to further strengthen our processes within our sites at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital. This strain will not evade our diagnostic tests, and it is extremely pleasing that 90% of all eligible colleagues have received the COVID-19 booster vaccine.

While news of the Omicron variant will undoubtedly cause anxiety for many, my advice remains simple and consistent – practice the very best hand hygiene when you’re out and about, wear a mask when asked, or in crowded areas, and isolate and test if you suspect you have become symptomatic of the illness.

Most importantly, as a Trust, we continue to encourage local residents to get their first, second and booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Our nurses, doctors and other health professionals have seen the benefit of vaccination first-hand – our mortality rates are substantially lower than was the case this time last year, and the mitigating factor in all of this has been the vaccine. Furthermore, a recent study has shown that Boosters give over 90% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 in adults over 50 – so it really makes a difference.  With Christmas fast approaching and other seasonal illnesses circulating, please stay as safe as you can by taking all of the appropriate precautions to stop the spread of COVID and all of the seasonal viruses.

Vaccination centres continue to run regularly, if not daily, 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/

Finally, our restrictions have to remain in place to protect our vulnerable patients and our staff, namely that we ask everyone visiting our sites to wear a mask at all times, as well as to call ahead or check our website for visiting restrictions and to only visit if completely symptom free.

We continue to try to ensure we minimise carriage of COVID-19 into our hospital undetected, and our communities can support us in these efforts, so please observe 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.

In all, we have a tough few weeks and months coming up, but, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, I’m sure Team DBTH are more than up to the task. Please continue to lend us your support, be safe, be sensible, and enjoy your December. And please, ensure that you get your vaccines – as your local NHS hospital who has been at the very front-line of this pandemic, we think it is really important.

Richard Parker OBE
Chief Executive