'We're sick of it': Intensive care doctor speaks out over fake news about Covid

Dr Nick Sherwood, ICU consultant at City and Sandwell hospitals, appeared in a video with Dr Masood Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer for the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG and former West Bromwich Albion player Brendon Batson, which showed life inside an intensive care unit with Covid patients.

Dr Sherwood said: "I know that there is a lot of fake news out there about Covid, I've read it, my colleagues have read it, and we're sick of it.

"Sick of what people are saying. We're working night and day to try and save lives ravaged by this virus, so I can tell you with 100 per cent truth and honesty that Covid is real.

Watch the video from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust:

"Every day we are treating patients that are fighting for their lives in our intensive care units, and many won't make it."

"We have expanded already, massively, we've doubled our capacity, but there are still days when we are nearly full and barely able to cope. But there are things you can do to help, to help us fight this disease and ease the burden on the NHS.

"Please, when you're offered it, take your Covid vaccination. In the meantime, follow the rules, stay at home, don't go out unless you need to, don't mix with people unless it's absolutely essential, even family and friends. Think hands, face, space, and please, don't end up as one of our patients."

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Dr Ahmed said both he and his parents have received the vaccine.

"Our hospitals are under a lot of pressure and in order to help them, in order to help you, in order to help our population, we really need to engage and get vaccinated," he said.

"In terms of vaccinations, one of the concerns is misinformation and there's been a lot of that going round, whether it be through Facebook of Whatsapp.

"I'm here to assure you that I've looked at the evidence, I've seen the processes that have been followed. The MHRA is our regulatory body and they've done a great job, they've not cut any corners, they've ensure that we have vaccines that are safe, and they're effective.

"One of the questions I often get asked is would I have the vaccination, well I can tell you I've had the vaccination. Not only that, but my parents have had the vaccination and that's given me a huge amount of relief.

"The key thing is that by getting vaccinated we can reduce the severity of any illness and potentially reduce transmission, and that makes a big difference in terms of our GPs and Primary Care, our hospitals and the care that they need to deliver.

"The vaccines don't have animal products in, they don't have foetal cells in, they certainly don't have microchips and 5G, and if you've got any concern, go to trusted sources. Your GPs know what the truth is, we've looked at the evidence, we know that it's safe, we know that it's effective.

"So when you get a call whether it be by text, by email, letting you know that there is a slot available for you to get vaccinated, please take that. Together, we can do this."

Former Baggies star Brendon Batson added: "Today I'm not talking football, I'd like to talk to you about Covid.

"My message is deadly serious, our local hospitals are full of patients with Covid, fighting for their lives, please don't become one of them.

"The way out of this pandemic is vaccination. So when you are offered one, please take it, and let's all get back to the lives we want to live."