Operations cancelled as Covid-19 crisis escalates

Escalating numbers of coronavirus patients at Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals means some planned operations and face-to-face appointments are being cancelled this week.

Pressure is mounting at the two sites where there are now more Covid-19 inpatients than at any point since the crisis began, including during the first wave.

Today’s (Tuesday) figures show 91 Covid inpatients across the two sites (roughly half in each) – up from 69 a week ago, according to Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust which runs the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital and Scunthorpe General Hospital.

Some wards have been closed for deep cleaning, while 140 staff are off work for Covid-related reasons.

Dr Kate Wood Medical Director said: “The numbers of inpatients has been going up over the last two weeks and is continuing to rise.

“This has meant we have had to close some wards and other areas to undertake deep cleans.

“We are also caring for lots of patients who are very ill with other conditions – as happens every year as we head towards winter.”

She continued: “The higher prevalence in our communities of Covid-19 means our staff are feeling the impact too, with many having to self-isolate because they either have the virus or someone close to them has.

“As of today we have 140 staff off for covid-related reasons.

“We are looking to redeploy as many staff as possible to help out with non-clinical work and are working with our partners so we can do everything we can to help keep people out of hospital where possible.

“Regrettably we have taken the difficult decision to cancel some elective (planned) operations and face-to-face outpatients appointments this week to free up nurses to work on the wards.

“I apologise to anyone who has been affected by this, and of course we will look to reschedule your appointments as soon as possible. We are doing everything we can to ensure we can continue to treat urgent and emergency cases.”

She added: “I would urge everyone in our local communities to continue to follow the national guidance around washing hands, wearing a face covering and social distancing – and stay at home as much as possible from Thursday.

“If we all do this we can make a difference to the spread of the disease which will help our hospitals recover.

“On behalf of the Trust Board I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our staff who have been incredible in what have and continue to be difficult circumstances to work in.”