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“One in four” hospital admissions in Wolverhampton are at risk of “dying”, says the chief executive of Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust. This is a stark reminder of how deadly coronavirus can be.
This warning was delivered on Friday, November 27 regarding high mortality rates in hospitals .
David Loughton (the chief executive of Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust) said: “We said this was going to be a marathon, not a sprint, but I don’t think we knew how long it would be.
“On Saturday, March 7, I received a call to come into hospital following our first COVID-19 patient, who sadly died shortly after.
“That was a long time ago and we did not know then how much it would change people’s lives.
“We are seeing improved treatments and outcomes but still the mortality rate in hospitals is high – in my organisation that is running at 24 percent.
“Getting yourself into hospital you have a one in four chance of dying.”
Wolverhampton will be placed in tier three – the highest restrictions – once December 2 approaches.
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However, coronavirus rules will be relaxed over the festive period across the UK.
From December 23-27, three households are able to celebrate together indoors – known as “Christmas bubbles”.
The five-day period enables people to move between tiers – and the country – to meet with loved ones for the festivities.
Even though the restrictions will be loosened, some people are still at high risk of dying from coronavirus.
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She added that certain people are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency, which can negatively affect your immune system.
This includes several groups, such as:
- People who cover up for religious reasons
- Darker-skinned people
- Those with very pale skin
- Anyone who is generally unwell or housebound
Turning her attention to coronavirus infections, Dr Jarvis added: “There’s a lag between people being infected, hospital beds being filled, then people dying.”
“We need to remember not to take our foot off the pedal; we can’t be complacent,” she urged.
Knowing more about the virus (SARS-CoV-2) then we did back in March, Dr Jarvis stressed that “ventilation is key”.
Allowing air into the room will help transmission control, alongside washing hands and face masks.
Dr Jarvis advised to wear a face mask indoors “if meeting someone vulnerable” over the Christmas period.
SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) has released Christmas guidelines.
SAGE recommends: “Where possible, identify ways to move celebrations and observances outside.”
This is because “aerosol transmission risk is considered to be very low outdoors”.
Moreover, boardgames are to be swapped for quizzes and hugs are to be replaced by “hand-on-heart” gestures.
What are your thoughts on the relaxation of rules over Christmas? Please comment below.
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