GWH COVID patients up by 28% in just FIVE days
But the Hospital's Chief Executive insists "there is light at the end of the tunnel"
Last updated 11th Jan 2021
One of our region's major hospitals has seen an alarming increase in the number of patients with Coronavirus on-site.
Greatest Hits Radio has been told the number of COVID patients at Great Western Hospital (GWH) rose by 28% between Sunday 3 January - Thursday 7.
Since Christmas Eve, GWH has also seen more than 25 people die within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.
'Two of our staff died in the first wave from COVID'
The Chief Executive of GWH, Kevin McNamara, has told us residents must take the figures seriously: "This is very real and the risks to our staff are very real.
"They can only care for our community with their (residents') support and if we absolutely adhere to the lockdown rules and keep ourselves safe.
"Not to forget that actually two of our members of staff died in the first wave from COVID, so that's the level of service that's being provided".
'I can't see the evidence'
His comments follow the 'secret filming' scandal that engrossed another hospital, just 35 miles from GWH, over the festive period.
Footage was shared by a woman online, claiming the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital was empty.
She captioned the video saying "I can't see the evidence" that hospitals are "overrun" with the second wave of the pandemic.
Mr McNamara says that anyone visiting his hospital "will see the human toll, both in patient terms and in staff terms, of COVID as a very real disease.
"I think it's quite sad that some people will have gone from clapping in the summer, to denying COVID exists in the winter".
Reports are now suggesting stricter UK lockdown measures are imminent, amid government concerns about rising COVID infection rates and the pressure on health services.
With some hospitals nearing capacity, Boris Johnson is warning that "now is the moment for maximum vigilance".
The measures could reportedly stop people exercising outside with someone from another household and crack-down on those without face masks at essential shops.
'There is light at the end of the tunnel'
However, GWH's Chief Executive has told us he "massively appreciates" local residents following the restrictions since March.
He added: "I think there is light at the end of the tunnel.
"The vaccine definitely gives me hope, it makes me want to get out of bed in the morning to keep doing this job".