Sheffield hospital admissions rise in ‘signal nobody should be complacent over Covid’

The Sheffield Teaching Hospitals trust, which runs the Royal Hallamshire and Northern General hospitals, has admitted 26 patients with Covid-19 in the last fortnight.

That represents a small increase on previous weeks but is still massively down on the 300-plus coronavirus patients on its wards when the virus was at its peak.

No enhanced support in Sheffield as more areas across England go into local lockdown

Dr David Hughes, medical director at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said: “We have seen a small increase in the number of new Covid-positive patients in the last two weeks and whilst it is not anywhere near the levels we saw earlier in the year it is a signal that none of us should be complacent about this awful virus.

"We must do the things we know that work to limit transmission. So please wash or sanitise your hands regularly, keep your distance from others, wear your face coverings and keep to the rule of six. They are simple things but they really do make a difference.

"Help us to keep this virus under control as much as we can. The small number of patients is not impacting on other services and so patients who have appointments or procedures planned please do ensure you attend as planned. We have all the necessary precautions in place to deliver that care appropriately.”

Experts are recommending a 2 week national lockdown to coincide with October school holidays

The trust recorded its latest coronavirus death on Tuesday, September 15, which was the first fatality to be announced in Sheffield since August 29.

Yesterday, Thursday, September 17, another death was announced at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

Covid-19 hospital admissions have started to rise nationally, with the latest figures showing that as of Tuesday, September 15, there were 988 inpatients across the UK with the virus, 124 of whom were on ventilation.

Across the North East and Yorkshire, 49 patients were admitted to hospitals with coronavirus on September 15 – the highest figure in the region since June 22 – and there were 15 patients on ventilation.

Sheffield community groups could be drafted in to help fight Covid-19

The rise in hospital admissions follows the recent increase in the number of people testing positive for the virus, which has led to numerous local lockdowns.

Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England (PHE), said: “We’re seeing clear signs this virus is now spreading widely across all age groups and I am particularly worried by the increase in rates of admission to hospital and intensive care among older people.

“This could be a warning of far worse things to come. We must all play our part in controlling the virus by continuing to wash our hands, wear face coverings and follow social distancing rules.

“Our monitoring also suggests we’re seeing a spike in other viruses that cause the common cold.

“These can cause a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat. You should only request a Covid test if you have a continuous cough, fever, or loss of or change in sense of taste or smell.”