A&E boss fears being overwhelmed by second coronavirus wave & effects of lockdown
A HOSPITAL A&E chief has said she fears being overwhelmed not just by a second wave of coronavirus — but also by the knock-on effects of the first.
Dr Ann-Marie Morris, of the Royal Stoke University Hospital, said she was seeing a rise in patients with alcohol-related conditions as well as more victims of violent crime.
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And now, Covid cases in the city are surging, with 57 testing positive in the first week of September and pushing its seven-day infection rate back over 20 cases per 100,000. Stoke-on-Trent remains on the Government’s Covid-19 watchlist as an area of concern following a rise in cases in August. It means the pressure on staff inside the unit is immense.
Ann-Marie, who had Covid in April, said: “The public are worrying about a possible second wave but our second wave could be the knock-on effect from Covid.
“Nationally, there has been an increase in suicides and cases of mental health illnesses. More patients are coming through the doors with alcohol-related conditions and we are dealing with more cases of violent crime.
“On top of all of that, Covid has not gone away and we are heading into winter, which is notoriously our busiest time. It is a perfect storm. Things are going to get a lot busier.
“I’ve worked in the NHS for two decades but make no mistake this is the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced.”
The Sun on Sunday was granted exclusive access to Ann-Marie’s trauma unit, whose work will feature on Channel 5’s 999 Critical Condition at 9pm on Thursday.
Covid-19 affects everything there — every medic is in full PPE and every patient who arrives must have a test. Thousands are carried out every week — putting a massive strain on lab staff.
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But, despite the challenges, everyone is determined to ensure they win the battle.
A&E consultant Dr Chris Pickering said: “We are ready to step up in the event of a second surge.
“We will react and adapt. Whatever happens, when the time comes we’ll be ready.”
- 999 Critical Condition on Channel 5 is on Thursday night at 9pm
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