Great Western Hospital declares 'critical incident' as COVID patients rise by over 700% in three weeks
The hospital is now having to postpone some non-urgent operations
Last updated 16th Feb 2021
It's been confirmed that the number of Coronavirus patients at Great Western Hospital (GWH) has risen by a staggering 723% in just three weeks.
On Wednesday 23 December, 22 people were receiving care at the Hospital after contracting COVID-19.
That figure was 159 by Wednesday 13 January.
GWH bosses have now declared a "critical incident", citing "increased pressures" on resources:
They are now encouraging residents with family who need collecting from GWH to do so "as quickly as possible".
Last week, the Hospital's Chief Executive told us the demand was taking a "human toll" on patients and staff alike.
Kevin McNamara added that staff "can only care for our community with their (residents') support and if we absolutely adhere to the lockdown rules and keep ourselves safe".
In recent days, some non-urgent operations and appointments have been cancelled by GWH - allowing more resources to tackle the increase in COVID patients.
However, the Hospital is urging people to continue attending appointments, unless they have been otherwise notified by the NHS.