Surge in young people with covid at Royal Preston Hospital
We've taken a closer look after being granted access onto their covid ward
Last updated 13th Aug 2021
A consultant at the Royal Preston Hospital's told us there's been a surge in young people ending up in hospital with coronavirus.
Speaking to me on their covid ward, Dr Mohammed Munavvar said they've seen 'extremely fit young people' needing medical help who haven't had their jabs.
It comes as stats show 70% of 18-29-year-olds in England have now had their first dose, but in Lancashire for the same age group it's just over 60%.
Dr Munavvar said: "In the last few weeks it's been both a concern as well as a challenge for us that a number of young, extremely fit people, who never dreamt they would ever need admission into hospital and thought that covid wouldn't affect them in such a severe fashion, have come in very seriously ill requiring admission into our respiratory ward, to the high dependancy ward and to the critical care unit.
"If you look at those people, which we have been doing, nearly 70% have not had even a single dose of the vaccine.
"They tell us they have been delaying having the vaccine or not taking the messages seriously because they did not expect themselves to become so ill.
Dr Munavvar said the vast majority of hospital beds are currently full during a time when it should be quieter during the summer months: "We are extremely busy around the clock. Emergencies are non-stop. We have covid related emergencies and then other emergencies as well...the hospital is extremely busy."
The consultant is urging anyone who is eligible and hasn't had their first dose of the jab yet to come forward for their vaccine as well as people who are now eligible for their second dose: "The best way to deal with covid is to get double vaccinated as soon as possible. It minimises the chances of getting seriously ill."