55 patients with coronavirus are being treated in Cornwall's main hospitals

The figure from Friday 5th November is a rise of 11 inpatients on the week before

Author: Emma HartPublished 8th Nov 2021

Hospitals across the UK are seeing fourteen times more coronavirus patients than last year, including a recent rise in Cornwall.

55 were being treated in the Duchy's main hospitals as of Friday 5th November, which is up by 11 on the previous week.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust recently warned admissions would feel the impact of the recent rise in Covid cases for several weeks.

It is one of the extreme pressures that saw Treliske declare an 'critical incident' in October.

Latest weekly figures show the number of positive tests and coronavirus case rates in Cornwall are falling. The Duchy recorded 2,345 new cases in the seven days to Tuesday 2nd November, giving us a case rate of 407.5 per 100,000 people.

However, both Cornwall Council's Public Health Team and NHS Kernow are urging residents to remain vigilant.

The Health Secretary has urged everyone who is eligible for their coronavirus booster jab to get one, to help avoid a return to restrictions this winter.

Sajid Javid's message coincides with rising deaths among vaccinated people, because their immunity is waning.

From today (Monday 8th November), patients can book their booster five months after their first dose instead of six.

NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, says booster jabs, along with Covid and flu vaccines, are among the best ways we can protect ourselves and ease the pressure on the health service.

She said: "Really significant pressures, not just from Covid but from other demands on our services and indeed the same for social care. So as we look into winter, I think we're very clear this is going to be a difficult winter and the things that we would encourage people to do is anything they can do to protect themselves".

Speaking about boosters, Amanda added: "We've got more locations available for boosters than we've ever had before but we are trying to make it as easy as possible for people to get access to their boosters. You can book online or you can go on 119 or just walk in where there are local walk-in centres available".

What can I do to ease the pressure on Cornwall's NHS?

Dr Toby Slade, Director of Urgent and Emergency Care at Treliske said: "We are seeing many people make the right choices and would urge everyone with an urgent need, that isn’t a 999 emergency, to consider all of the options available, including pharmacies and their own GP.

"The 111 online website can help you make that choice, or you can call 111.

"If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call 0800 038 5300. The number is available 24-hours, every day".

The 111 telephone service can also provide expert clinical advice for poorly children and book them into out of hours clinics when appropriate.

More information about choosing the right care pathway can be found on the NHS Kernow website.

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