Salisbury District Hospital still under intense pressure
The CEO of the NHS Foundation Trust has penned an open letter to members of the public
Last updated 12th Jan 2021
Stacey Hunter says Salisbury District Hospital is continuing to experience intense pressure.
There is an ever rising number of Covid-19 positive patients at the site, with there being 121 as of 8:15am this morning (Tuesday 12th January) - equating to 25% of all inpatients.
Due to the growing situation, the hospital have now had to change the way the hospital works and how they prioritise who they treat.
At the end of December, the hospital suspended visiting due to the increase.
CHANGE FOR SURGERIES
The number of surgical procedures undertaken will be limited, with some operations being postponed.
They say that this "difficult decision" means they can continue to provide professional, compassionate care when it is most needed.
All cancer, high priority, emergency and trauma surgeries will go ahead though.
Anyone with a surgery affected will be contacted, people who do not hear from the hospital should turn up as planned.
In an open letter to patients and members of the public, Stacey Hunter said:
"To me and all my colleagues at the hospital this data is more than simple numbers, behind every number is a person with a family, friends and neighbours, all of whom are either worried about their loved ones health or are mourning a life cut short.
We’ve been dealing with this pandemic day in and day out for almost 10 months, it’s exhausting, it feels relentless and it has impacted all areas of our lives, both at work and at home. I know that this must be taking its toll on the whole community. That’s why it’s so important we continue to look out for one another, be kind and support each other wherever we can.
In all parts of the NHS and across partner organisations staff are working through extraordinary times and regularly going above and beyond to care for patients, residents in care homes and numerous other settings. Everyday the team at Salisbury Hospital amaze me with their professionalism, compassion and flexibility. As we ask staff across the hospital to work in different ways and in an ever changing environment they consistently step up to the challenge. My heartfelt thanks goes out to every member of staff and all those that support them at home and in their personal lives."
People who feel unwell are being asked to contact the NHS by calling 111, their GP or 999 in an emergency.
DEATH TOLL RISING
The number of patients to have died at Salisbury District Hospital, having tested positive for Covid-19, has increased significantly recently as well.
In the last 28 days there have been a further 33 fatalities, bringing the total to 99.
The latest was a man in his seventies who passed away yesterday.
A spokesperson for the NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Sadly, we can confirm that another patient who had been cared for at Salisbury District Hospital has died.
A man in his seventies, with underlying health conditions, died on 11th January.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient’s family and loved ones at this very difficult and distressing time.
The total number of patients that have died at Salisbury District Hospital after receiving a COVID-19 positive test result is now 99.”
Stacey added:
"With such a rapid rise of COVID-19 in the community, and with such high numbers of patients in our hospital, we must remain extra vigilant and continue to do all we can to protect each other from this new infectious strain. This means limiting the amount of contact we have with other people and adhering to all the lockdown regulations and continue to follow the hands, face and space guidance at work and at home.
Together we can protect our friends and family, beat the virus and eventually get back to normal."