NHS Tayside adds more beds as it reaches 98% COVID patient capacity

NHS Tayside says an additional 30 bed covid ward is ready to go - as the region's hospitals nears current capacity.

The Health Board is warning it may effect appointments.

98% of beds dedicated to patients fighting the virus are now full.

If expanded it will impact care for those deemed a lower priotrity - but bosses say they'll not stand down whole theatre lists or services in a blanket fashion.

NHS Tayside Operational Medical Director, Dr Pamela Johnston said, “Today there are 189 COVID-19 patients in Tayside hospitals which is the highest number of patients requiring hospital care we have seen in Tayside since the start of the pandemic. There are also 15 patients in our HDU and 8 in ICU who require more specialist care.

“As we did in March when we created a hospital within a hospital, our clinical teams have been changing the footprint of Ninewells to ensure we can continue to provide safe and effective care for the people of Tayside.

“Clinical teams have been planning for the current scenario of increased numbers for many months and our plans are working well.

“An additional 30-bed ward for COVID-19 patients has been prepared and we are able to open these beds if they are required over the coming days.

“The reality that the frontline teams are facing is that the more COVID-19 beds we require, reduces capacity for other services.

“Our approach in this second peak of the virus is to monitor on a daily and weekly basis the impact of COVID-19 in our hospitals, looking at COVID patient admissions, emergency admissions for other conditions and our staffing situation.

“We are not standing down whole theatre lists or services in a blanket fashion, which is different to the first phase approach where all elective procedures were postponed.

“However, we may see a small number of patients who were due to have routine surgery rescheduled or be offered their procedure at another facility, for example, a patient who had been booked to have an operation at Ninewells may be offered the procedure at Perth Royal Infirmary.

“It is this flexibility which our clinical teams are keen to keep going as they are committed to keep elective services running as far as this is possible.

“It is really important that the people of Tayside continue their efforts to reduce the transmission of the virus. We need everyone to keep doing their part, following the guidance and sticking to the rules. We will get through this together and please know that our staff will keep providing care and treatment in these extraordinary times.”

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.