'Please get vaccinated' the plea from those on the Covid frontline
Today we're hearing what life is like on one of Somerset's Covid wards
Almost two years after the start of the pandemic, we're hearing from those on the front line of Somerset's Covid wards
Doctor Fiona Dempsey MBE, the clinical lead for critical care who's based at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, says most of those they now see are unvaccinated.
She said: "It has been very hard to see pregnant women - unvaccinated women - on ventilators."
The consultant has revealed some of those being admitted to intensive care were happy to get the jab - but just didn't get around to it.
"The most sad thing is when someone comes and says I just sort of hadn't got round to doing it and that is much harder to understand and to deal with - because it could have been prevented and some of those patients go on to die."
The latest weekly figures show eight people lost their lives to the virus in the county.
Somerset's NHS is currently monitoring more than 500 outbreak clusters - which is two or more people that are not connected to other infections.
Doctor Dempsey says staff have seen entirely unvaccinated families anxiously waiting for news after a loved one was admitted to intensive care, adding: "It is quite often that when someone is suddenly hit with the reality of having a family member on intensive care with Covid that it is enough of a trigger for the rest of the family to have a conversation and go and get themselves vaccinated - but of course it is too late for that individual."
Neil Hales, Director of Commissioning at Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group said “Following the festive period, we are seeing an exceptionally high demand on all health and social care services in Somerset. Alongside this we are seeing a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the community and an increase in staff absence due to staff testing COVID positive or isolating.
“With rates of COVID-19 continuing to be high in our communities we urge people to stay safe. One of the best things people can do is to ensure that they stay well this winter is to have their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. People can book their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or booster COVID-19 vaccination on the National Booking System or look for walk in sites on the Grab a Jab site. Information on vaccination programme can also be found on the Somerset CCG’s website here Covid-19 vaccinations in Somerset - Somerset CCG”