'Very challenging' position at Doncaster hospitals as Covid admissions rise again

Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust is currently caring for more than 200 patients at its three Doncaster area hospitals.

The number in the middle of last month was just three.

In its daily update, issued late yesterday, health bosses said that a number of coronavirus patients had also been discharged while a number of positive patients had now tested negative.

A spokesman said: “In the past 24 hours, we have seen another rise in admissions with those who are positive for Covid-19, however we have also been able to discharge a number of patients. In addition some of the patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 are now negative. As a result the overall position remains similar to that of the past few days without much movement.

“As we don’t expect the current challenges to improve quickly, we will transition this update to a weekly one, rather than a daily one, similar to what we did during the first-wave, letting you know any significant developments or achievements in the meantime.

“With the above in mind, we must highlight that our hospitals remain in a very challenging position and colleagues are working incredibly hard to look after those in our care.

"Please continue to offer your support, please continue to adhere to the relevant guidance where you live and please remember hands, face and space.

“Throughout this year we have depended on the kind words and support you have shown our colleagues, so please continue to comment and cheer on our health heroes.

“Thank you, continue to protect the vulnerable amongst us, help us flatten the curve and together we will save lives.”

There have been more than 300 deaths from coronavirus in Doncaster since the start of the pandemic, while more than 500 patients have been successfully treated and sent home to recover after contracting the virus.

Case rates in Doncaster have been spiralling in recent days, with the number of patients admitted to Doncaster hospitals doubling in a week.