Doncaster had nearly double the amount of Covid-19 patients during second wave and almost ran out of beds, report reveals

A report seen by councillors shows that Doncaster & Bassetlaw hospital trust at one point had 220 patients with Covid-19 and with bed capacity nearing 99 per cent.

During the first wave, hospitals had a maximum of 115 patients which is 48 per cent less than the peak during the second wave.

D&BHT chief executive Richard Parker, said that by late October, the hospital had the third highest bed-occupancy in the country at 98.6 per cent, putting huge strain on staff.

As of November 9, Mr Parker said the hospital trust has had 1,422 confirmed positive patients within the hospital trust, with 119 of these individuals requiring critical care.

Of this cohort, 850 people have been discharged while 370 have sadly passed away.

Hospital bosses said that when cases slowed in the summer, plans were drawn up in order to try and tackle the impending second wave.

Mitigations for the second wave included increasing intensive care bed capacity from around 30 to a surge, and super surge capacity of just under 130.

Other measures included a doubling of piped oxygen capacity, introduction of in-house testing and managing procurement processes, ensuring that we now have substantial PPE stocks.

“All of this has only been made possible thanks to the truly heroic efforts of colleagues,” Mr Parker said.

“Everyone of all grades and specialisms ensure that our pathways continue to function, our patients continue to receive the care they need, and our communities are given the confidence they need to ensure they can carry on about their daily lives, albeit under certain restrictions, safe in the knowledge that friends and family have a place to go if they become critically unwell.

“We undoubtedly have some challenging days, weeks and months ahead, however we are confident that, as a Trust, we are as prepared as we can be.

“We will continue to rely on the support of our partners, as well as the goodwill of our communities, and we look forward to a time when we can put this illness behind us.”

READ MORE:

- Hundreds sign petition demanding "adequate" flood defences are installed in Doncaster villages

- A cyclist is injured in Doncaster every week - but these are the projects being put in place to make you safer on your bike

- Plans for 1,000 pig farm in Doncaster village prompts mass objections

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.