Fears Doncaster and Worksop coronavirus peak to hit just after Easter

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In an open letter, Richard Parker, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive, said there had been nine deaths, but this was expected to rise.

Mr Parker said, at the start of the pandemic, the trust had 28 intensive care beds, but when extra ventilators and equipment arrive, this will jump to 130.

He paid tribute to NHS staff in the trust’s hospital’s and urged people to stay indoors to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He said: “Locally we expect Coronavirus to peak during and just after Easter.

“In order to be ready, we have had to change the way we work and you may have already heard about some of the more significant measures that we have taken.

“While Coronavirus looms large, in Doncaster, Worksop and Retford we have been relatively fortunate so far, but that does not mean we have been unaffected.

“To date, we have sadly lost nine people to coronavirus. These were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends – each loss is a tragedy and we share our sympathies with their families.

“Unfortunately, we know that during the course of this pandemic we will lose further loved ones. However, it is in our collective power to try to reduce this number. The way we do this is relatively simple – staying indoors, and only venturing out when it is absolutely necessary.

“I know many of you will have forgone the slightly brighter weekend, opting to instead stay inside and observe the government’s advice, and for that I want to thank you.

“As an NHS Trust which proudly straddles two counties, we count on the goodwill you endlessly offer to your local hospitals – and we are asking you once again to dig deep and support us, making those sacrifices which will make a world of difference for our clinicians as they work against Covid-19.

“In return, our promise is we will give you our all. Hospital colleagues will work day and night, caring for those that need it most.”

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