Fall in coronavirus cases in Sheffield hospitals but 'no downward trend yet'
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has issued an update
NHS bosses in Sheffield say the city isn't at the peak of coronavirus yet, despite a fall in cases in hospital.
The trust that runs the Royal Hallamshire and the Northern General in the city says they've seen a drop in COVID-19 patients needing intensive care and in general, but they're not seeing a downward trend yet.
A spokesperson for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said in an update on Facebook:
"The consensus seems to be that we are seeing a slight slowing of the virus spread as a result of social distancing, which makes it all the more important we all continue to stick to the current rules about not going out unless it is essential.
"Despite the slowdown we are mindful that we have still not hit the peak of the pandemic in our region and current predictions are that the number of positive cases coming into our hospitals will increase in the coming weeks."
There are currently around 250 coronavirus patients in hospital in Sheffield, roughly 30 of them in intensive care.
Since the outbreak started, the trust has safely discharged 400 patients with the virus, but more than 140 have sadly died.
Hospital staff have been boosting the number of critical care beds available to cope with the demand of the coronavirus pandemic.
The spokesperson said:
"Usually, we would have approximately 35 critical care beds for the sickest patients (those requiring ventilation) and approximately 50 other types of high dependency beds. Our current plans take us to 250 ventilated critical care beds.
"For those patients who do not require that level of care, we have also planned to provide significantly more general care beds should we need them."
The hospital trust has thanked everyone for following the social distancing measures, which it calls the "most powerful action" in tackling the virus.
"We really are doing all that we can to ensure we have the best possible response to COVID-19 for our city, whilst ensuring we are in the best position to return to providing you with your full range of healthcare services once this situation has finished."