Wales COVID-19 Update: This Winter to Be Most Challenging
Dr. Frank Atherton and Dr. Andrew Goodall explain situation and talk about vaccinations, ask people to cooperate amid massive pressure on critical care infrastructure
The number of people in critical care is increasing and cases are rising everyday, putting tremendous pressure on NHS.
Hospitals are operating at 152% capacity of critical care infrastructure, with a third of total beds occupied by COVID-19 patients in Wales, said Dr. Andrew Goodall.
He said, “14 hospitals are at level three or four and the greatest concern is pressure on critical care. 15% of ambulances are for coronavirus patients. We have to look at the balance of services.”
The virus still seems to be spreading in South of Wales. We need to continue to ensure vaccination numbers continue to increase, said Dr. Goodall.
There are 9 priority groups we are looking at and by February, we will be focusing on the top four, said Dr. Atherton.
“Same people who administer the vaccine are also the ones who are working towards handling coronavirus cases so we have to ensure we don’t destabilize the NHS by adding to number of cases,” said Fr. Frank Atherton.
A recent study by Occupational Medicine journal suggests that almost half of staff are having or have had suicidal thoughts and are consuming alcohol during the Coronavirus pandemic. It states that nurses suffered more than doctors during the first wave. One in eight of the staff members thought repeatedly of “being better off dead”.
The report is still to be peer-reviewed.
Atherton said, “Stay home. Support the NHS. Go out only for essential services. If you do develop symptoms, get tested and isolate.”
Press conference hosted by WalesOnline
