Covid-19 inpatients on the rise at Rotherham Hospital

George Briggs, chief operating officer for the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said that as of 8am this morning (Wednesday), the hospital had nine Covid-19 inpatients - last week there were just two.

"We have now cared for a total of 673 inpatients who have tested positive to date," added Mr Briggs. 

The Covid-19 infection rate has also risen again within the last week. 

Data from Public Health England showed that between September 7 and 13, published last Friday, put the 7-day infection rate in Rotherham at 34 per 100,000 - an increase from 20.4 the week before.

However the latest data from NHS Digital, suggests the infection rate in the borough had since increased even further.

Figures for September 14 to 20 set the infection rate at 45.3 per 100,000.

The main single-site Covid-19 ward is still operating at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital - which is caring for patients from areas all across South Yorkshire - and currently has 25 coronavirus inpatents. 

Dr David Hughes, medical director for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said they had seen a small increase in the number of new Covid-19-positive patients in the last two weeks. 

He added: "Whilst these numbers are not anywhere near the levels we saw earlier in the year, it is a signal that none of us should be complacent about this awful virus.

"The small number of patients is not impacting on other services and so patients who have appointments or procedures planned please do ensure you attend as planned.

"We have all the necessary precautions in place to deliver that care appropriately."