More critical care beds opened at Treliske after rise in Covid-19 patients
Bosses say the number of people in hospital with the virus is at its highest level since the start of the year
More critical care beds have been opened at the Royal Cornwall Hospital following a rise in the number of coronavirus patients.
The Critical Care team at Treliske is urging people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to take up the offer of Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters.
They were caring for five seriously ill people between the ages of 21 and 55 years at one point this week, four of whom were unvaccinated.
Intensive Care Consultant Dr Thys De Beer said: "The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is currently at its highest level since the peak we saw in the early part of this year.
"Many of those who have become acutely unwell haven’t had their vaccinations and sadly, despite doing everything we possibly can, we’ve been unable to save everyone, which is so hard for their families and for our team".
Thys added: "We know that being vaccinated and having your booster reduces the chances of catching the virus to begin with and significantly reduces the chances of having the most severe symptoms; it’s so hard to have to tell someone who asks for a vaccination when they are already very unwell, that it’s just too late".
The increase in people needing intensive support and ventilation has meant the critical care team has had to open more beds, not only for people with Covid-19 but also to ensure they have space for patients with other critical conditions.
Head of Nursing Claire Blake said: "Creating more critical care capacity has been part of our plan since the start of the pandemic.
"We’d gone through several months where it hadn’t been necessary but over the last few weeks’ we’ve seen a significant increase in patients needing this higher level of care. And what’s different this time is the age of people we are seeing, so many more, younger, fitter people".
Cases of Covid-19 in Cornwall are still slightly above the national average so health bosses say it’s no time for the population to let their guard down.
The recommendation to continue to wear face coverings in indoor spaces and on public transport is still vital in the battle to reduce the spread of the virus. They also say vaccination and boosters will be key as we head into winter.
Claire added: "It’s heart breaking to see people so unwell and we’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their Covid-19 vaccination to book one today, either online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119. And when it’s your time, make sure you get your booster, too!"