Number of Doncaster Covid-19 hospital patients more than triple first wave

Last week, the number of patients being cared for by Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust was more than 200.

Back in April, during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the number being treated was 67.

In recent weeks, local health chiefs have raised concerns over the growing numbers and have urged local people to follow the coronavirus restrictions.

Doncaster was ranked the ninth worst place in England for coronavirus infections, with more than 530 cases per 100,0000 people as figures continue to spiral in the borough.

The figure includes patients being treated at the Trust’s three hospitals – Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Worksop’s Bassetlaw Hospital and Mexborough’s Montagu Hospital.

Dr Rupert Suckling, director of public health at Doncaster Council, has blamed the rising figures on people ignoring advice on meeting up and refusing to follow the rules.

He said the borough is now in the top 10 for the highest infection rates in England, with an average seven-day figure of 530 per 100,000 people.

“The situation is still very serious and I cannot emphasize that enough,” he said.

“This is the second highest in South Yorkshire and we are now in the top 10 in England. This is not good news.”

From Thursday, the whole of England will go into a four week lockdown, with non essential shops and pubs and restaurants all closing until December 2.