RAF drafted in to help Nuneaton's hospital cope with demand

[dutchman]

They are helping in several different roles



The RAF has been drafted in to help Nuneaton's hospital cope with high demand on services.

CoventryLive can reveal that airforce personnel are currently helping in a number of different areas at the George Eliot Hospital.

It comes at a time when the 'Eliot, like hospitals up and down the country, battle to deal with Covid cases and traditional winter demands - like extra pressure on Accident and Emergency.

It is well known that Covid levels across Nuneaton and Bedworth have been among the highest in the West Midlands and, while cases are falling, they are impacting on the hospital.

It is more of a case that people are being identified as being positive when they enter the hospital for treatment, rather than being admitted for Covid itself.

The 'Eliot has seen the number of patients with Covid almost double in a week - with 37 last week compared to 62 as of January 25.

These patients have to be cared for in separate areas to those who do not have Covid.

Patrick Johnson, chief operating officer at George Eliot Hospital, explained how the RAF is helping.

"We are extremely grateful for the support of the RAF currently assisting our porters, stores and pharmacy teams," he said.

"They are delivering valuable non-clinical support to our own staff as they continue to be there for those who need care urgently and respond to the increased demands brought by the high levels of Covid-19 in the community."

[dutchman]

It's the same EVERY winter.

As soon as the cold weather strikes the wards fill up with (mainly) elderly patients.

The hospital management know it will happen but refuse to take any measures to cope with it.

[rebbonk]

Spot on Dutchman, and they can be bl**dy grateful that this year has been mild so far.