Number of covid patients in York and North Yorkshire hospitals surge, as NHS confirms it is postponing procedures

The number of covid patients in York and North Yorkshire’s hospitals has sharply risen, it has been revealed.
Cases of coronavirus have risen in York and North Yorkshire's hospitalsCases of coronavirus have risen in York and North Yorkshire's hospitals
Cases of coronavirus have risen in York and North Yorkshire's hospitals

There are now 387 covid positive patients in the region’s hospitals, an increase of 116 from last week.

South Tees Hospital has the most patients, with 185 currently being treated.

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York Hospital has seen the biggest increase of patients, with 50 more people now being treated for the virus.

The hospital is now treating 121 patients. Harrogate District Hospital is treating 46 patients, and Scarborough Hospital is treating 35.

An average of 17 people a day across the region are being admitted to hospitals, and 85 more people have being admitted than in the first peak of the virus last Spring.

And there are concerns that Selby is still a coronavirus hot-spot. Cases of the virus in Selby are now 514 per 100,000 according to testing data. Richmond and Harrogate are the next highest areas of North Yorkshire for positive tests, while Ryedale and Scarborough are the lowest.

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NHS bosses confirmed that their surge plan is in action across the region’s hospitals, with staff now being redeployed from operating theatres and high dependency units into intensive care and covid wards.

And it was confirmed that some hospital services and procedures are now being postponed for patients.

Just under 500 NHS staff across York and North Yorkshire are off work either because they have tested positive for the virus, or because they are self-isolating, as are 241 staff working in care settings.

Eighty care settings in the region have now recorded one or more cases of coronavirus.

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841 North Yorkshire residents have died of the virus so far in the pandemic, and 31 have died this week so far.

Amanda Bloor, Accountable Officer for North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The numbers are really quite stark now.

“We are in a dangerous situation. This is the place we didn’t want to be. The trend is upwards.

“Our local hospitals are extremely busy. I’ve spoken to my hospital colleagues and they’re seeing unprecedented demand.

“It’s imperative that everybody follows the stay at home guidance.”

“I can’t stress enough how much the NHS is relying on everyone across York and North Yorkshire to make really sensible choices.”

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