A critical incident has been declared by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust today, January 13. Swindon Borough Council released the following statement:
The hospital is currently treating 159 COVID-19 patients, including those in intensive care. This has risen from 120 patients on Friday.
GWH is also battling to treat the existing 24/7 emergency health needs of our community including those suffering heart attacks, in need of cancer treatments or those that are involved in road traffic accidents.
Ambulance crews are also under extreme pressures and are having to wait outside Accident and Emergency for long periods before being able to hand over patients.
Last week the hospital had to cancel some non-urgent in-patient appointments. Today, some non-urgent surgeries will be cancelled to free up staff and theatres and patients who are well enough will also be discharged to free up ward capacity.
Now more than ever: to show we value our NHS workers, recognise the tough job they’re doing and the life-saving and enhancing services they provide to us, we all need to follow the ‘Stay at home’ rules: https://bit.ly/3olKgHD
If you are unwell and you aren’t sure what to do, please contact NHS 111 who can direct you to the most appropriate healthcare provider for your needs. Please continue to do your bit to slow the spread of infection by washing your hands, covering your face and making space.
The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
Brendoncare Froxfield residents and staff receive Covid-19 vaccinations
