Surge in people attending George Eliot Hospital over coronavirus fears

[dutchman]

The 'Eliot's medical director issued a statement this afternoon



Nuneaton's hospital has seen a surge in the number of people referred for coronavirus testing.

The news comes after it was revealed that the George Eliot Hospital is treating a patient in intensive care after testing positive for COVID 19.

Dr Catherine Free, medical director at the 'Eliot, said: "In the last couple of days, given we have had media attention as there have been, for the first time, cases identified in Warwickshire, we have seen an increase in the number of patients being referred to screening in the pods."

She told a board meeting earlier this afternoon (March 10) that the 'Eliot's pandemic flu plans have been put into place and they are meeting every day to monitor the situation.

"The pandemic flu co-ordination team is meeting daily and will monitor and evaluate risk and impacts within the trust, identify and mitigate any possible critical vulnerabilities and undertake business continuity and resilience planning in the context of a coronavirus pandemic/epidemic scenario.

"I would like to remind the public who will understandably be concerned given the national media interest that there are things we can all do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading:"

Glen Burley, chief executive, praised the 'Eliot staff for 'mobilising' the plans so quickly.

"This is a moving beast, there will be more guidance and it [coronavirus] will have a significant impact but I think the NHS is the best prepared than any other health system because of the way we work together."

Dr Free went on to stress that it is business as usual at the hospital.

"The hospital remains fully operational," she added.

"Patients should attend their appointments as normal and staff should continue to come to work unless advised otherwise."

[dutchman]

If I was from Nuneaton I'd be more worried about catching it while I was in prison!

[Melisandre]