Covid hospital admissions drastically fall but health chiefs warn pandemic is 'by no means over'
Hospital admissions for Covid-19 patients have fallen across the Black Country and Staffordshire – with one recording a 55 per cent fall.
NHS data showed 1,320 people were taken to hospital in the week from January 4 – which has dropped to 759 in the first week of February.
Health chiefs have welcomed the decrease – an decline of 42.5 per cent – but have called on people to continue to follow Government rules.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross Hospital, recorded 295 admissions in the week commencing January 4.
It has dropped to 131 admissions in the week starting February 1 – a drop of around 55 per cent.
Gwen Nuttall, chief operating officer for the trust, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic is by no means over and the virus is still a significant threat.
"While we have seen a drop in infection rates across Wolverhampton, it is imperative that people remain vigilant and still follow the necessary Hands Face Space guidance. Thank you to all those adhering to this guidance and limiting the spread. It is important we all play our part at this challenging time.
"The public can support us further by self-isolating when developing symptoms or when coming into contact with other known cases (and booking a test), and as soon as you are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine please do take up the offer. This is the most effective way of out of the pandemic."
Decline
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Walsall Manor Hospital, saw 179 admissions which has dropped to 97 – a drop of around 45 per cent.
Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Russells Hall Hospital, recorded 270 admissions which has dropped to 125 admissions – a decrease of around 53 per cent.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Sandwell General Hospital and City Hospital in Birmingham, recorded 247 admissions which has dropped to 233 admissions – a drop of around five per cent.
The University Hospitals of North Midlands, which runs County Hospital in Stafford and the Royal Stoke University Hospital, saw 329 admissions – which has dropped to 173, a decrease of around 27 per cent.
Paul Bytheway, UHNM's chief operating officer, said: "We have started to see a steady decline in hospital admissions due to Covid-19 in recent weeks at University Hospitals of North Midlands and this is also beginning to reflect the number of patients we are treating in our critical care unit.
"Throughout the pandemic we have prioritised our planned care and outpatient appointments and have continued to treat our most clinically urgent patients by maximising the use of the independent sector where possible and ensuring all our patients and staff are kept safe.
"It is however, really important that everyone continues to plays their part in helping to limit the spread of infection by following the guidance to stay at home and remember Hands, Face, Space."
