'We have enough ventilators': Sheffield Hospitals send message after 'war zone' comparisons

This week NHS staff reported a shortage of ventilators in some hospitals, with beds in intensive care units expected to be full by the end of the month.

It was warned that doctors would be forced to choose which patients to give vital respiratory equipment, with a spokesperson for the British Medical Association telling The Guardian that the hospital where he worked in London was “like a war zone.”

However, while these shortages are undoubtedly a major problem and affecting hospitals up and down the country, the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has said that it is not currently concerned about its resources.

Professor Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at the trust, said: “We do not currently have any problems in terms of ventilators being available for patients who need them.

“Our staff are doing an incredible job at the moment and all patients are receiving the care required.

“We are also planning for the inevitable increase in patients we expect to see over the coming weeks and would ask that the public help us by following the national guidance in terms of social distancing, handwashing and self-isolation for those people at higher risk or with symptoms.

“Everyone can play a part in supporting us to limit the spread of this virus and keep people safe.”