Peterborough and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals treating nearly 70 COVID patients as pressure on services rises

In total there are 69 patients being treated across the hospitals - up from 54 on November 2.

Today Graham Wilde, Chief Operating Officer for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals

said routine services were still being offered at the hospitals.

Earlier this week Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, warned city residents that the rate of COVID infections was increasing at its fastest rate since the first lockdown - and warned this would result in increased pressure on health services

MORE: Urgent warning to Peterborough residents as COVID spreads in city at 'fastest rate' since first lockdown

He said:: “As with all hospitals across the country in recent weeks, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of patients with Covid-19 presenting at our hospitals. Our staff are currently caring for 69 Covid-19 patients across Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals. We are busier than we would usually be but we continue to operate routine services including outpatient and diagnostic appointments.

“We have robust plans in place across our hospital sites to ensure that we are able to cope with the increased pressures that the second peak and winter season will inevitably bring. This includes increasing staffing levels, where appropriate, and working with community and social care to ensure we can help to get patients home safely and efficiently.

“Patients are encouraged to attend their outpatient appointments as usual unless they are contacted by us to rearrange. To help us reduce the spread of infection, we ask that they wear a face mask or covering at all times when in the hospital, unless exempt, and practise thorough hand washing or sanitise upon entering and leaving the site.

“Anyone needing urgent medical advice can contact NHS 111 24/7 online or by phone to make sure they are directed to the most appropriate service.”