Tribute to health and care workers across Wiltshire after year like no other
Praise for those who have helped with coronavirus pandemic
Twelve months on from the first local case of Covid-19 the Clinical Commissioning Group which covers Wiltshire have paid a heartfelt tribute to NHS staff who went the extra mile during the pandemic.
Last March saw thousands of NHS workers across the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG ( BANES) rise up to the challenge of coroanvirus.
Many embodied a "war -time spirit of helping out wherever was needed" along with colleagues from local councils, voluntary organisations and other key organisations.
BANES say its important to acknowledge the 'courageous and determined' frontline workers and the staff who have worked behind the scenes to support the emergency response.
Tracey Cox, Chief Executive, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
"It is only right that, on the first anniversary of this heart-wrenching pandemic, we once again acknowledge and say thank you to all those who have played their part in steering us through an unbelievably challenging year."
“Coronavirus has been brutal for all involved and I know that many of our colleagues bear the emotional, physical and mental scars of the last 12 months, but their courage and determination in the face of constant uncertainty will never be forgotten."
"I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made by our local communities who, by following government guidance, have helped slow the spread of the virus."
IMMENSE PRESSURE ON HOSPITALS
As was seen across the entire country, the emergence of Covid-19 in the first part of 2020 had huge implications for local health and care services.
Almost overnight, services at the region’s three large hospitals – the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Salisbury District Hospital and the Royal United Hospital in Bath – were scaled back and staff redeployed to prepare for the rapid influx of people needing urgent and emergency care as a result of coronavirus.
During the peak of the second wave this year Salisbury District Hospital had more than 180 patients with Covid 19.
The military were also drafted in to help take the pressure off.
January was the toughest month for our hospital with 90 deaths.
GP SERVICES REACT TO COVID
GP services have also had to change the way they work, with all of the region's 94 practices taking the majority of services online.
Video calls became the default appointment format and walk-ins stopping in favour of telephone-based triage and assessment.
In the first weeks of the pandemic, GPs were carrying out more than 3,000 video appointments a week a 200 % increase on what was happening pre-Covid.
The pandemic also led to the introduction of innovative methods of care, such as drive-thru clinics and dedicated home visits to shielding patients.