Three more deaths as number of Doncaster Covid-19 patients nears 150

The number of coronavirus patients has gone from three to 147 in just over a month, bosses at Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust have said.

In its daily update issued late yesterday, a spokesman said that a further three patients had died, bringing the town’s total to 264.

A statement said: “In the past 24 hours, we have seen another large rise in admissions with patients having tested positive for Covid-19.

"This means that at the time of writing we are caring for 147 individuals – 117 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, 13 at Bassetlaw Hospital and 17 at Montagu.

“With great sadness, today we have confirmed that a further three patients have passed away, with Covid-19 having played a role in the cause of death. We share our deepest sympathies with all of those affected.

“For a further breakdown, we are currently caring for eight patients who require intensive care. Three individuals require mechanical ventilation, 14 non-invasive ventilation and six oxygen. Within our intensive care units, we have a maximum capacity of 28 beds, which we can significantly expand, however it is our sincere hope that we will not have to do this.”

Health chiefs have also outlined how cases are diagnosed and reported, after some criticism from members of the public.

It added: “In response to some questions which have been asked, we would also like to outline our diagnosis process.

"The vast majority of our Covid-19 tests are done internally, and have a 96% accuracy for producing true positives and true negatives.

"It can also differentiate between common colds and so on, and has a high sensitivity and specificity.

“As we also shared yesterday, anyone who requires a hospital admission with us, by definition, has a serious illness or injury which is not manageable at home or in the community, or is being admitted to establish the cause of a potentially serious problem.

“Patients who have a relevant pre-existing medical condition and being admitted as a result of this condition are at increased risk of developing a severe case of Covid-19, if they have contracted it. As diagnosis for this illness can take 24 to 72 hours to be confirmed (unless the test has been performed before admission) the result will come through after admission. As everyone would expect, anyone who is fit to be discharged will be to reduce the risks to them.

“There is a misconception that Covid-19 only impacts the hospitals if intensive care is required, which isn't quite right. The presence of Covid-19 within our hospitals means that we have to do things very differently than normal, from which areas patients are transported through, where they receive care, and what PPE colleagues have to wear. We also must try to ensure that the illness does not spread to those with us who are vulnerable. In short, it means everything takes a little longer and makes everything just that bit harder, regardless of the patient's condition, and at a time when hospitals are traditionally much busier and resources more stretched.

“We do not share this information with you to scare or frighten, but to give context to why we are asking for your help and support in adhering to guidance. A large proportion of our patients admitted and included in the numbers shared above are being cared for as a consequence of Covid-19, and those who aren't but are still positive are still are at risk of further complications and require observation and treatment as a result.

“As we have said many times, for many who are younger and have no underlying health concerns, this illness will not have much of an effect. However, it can be extremely serious for those who are more vulnerable. This is why we ask you to remember hands, face and space, and to live with this discomfort just a little while longer.

“Thank you, continue to protect the vulnerable amongst us and help us flatten the curve - and remember, sunshine follows thunder - we will get through this together as a community.”