Number of covid patients at Sunderland and South Tyneside hospitals drops below 200 for the first time this year

Despite the fall, overall numbers of Covid patients remain high and public health bosses say they are still treating many patients within intensive care units who are seriously ill.

Health chiefs are also urging the public to continue to follow the vital rules and take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine when contacted by the NHS.

At it’s peak on January 26, 251 Covid patients were in the trust’s hospitals – which is significantly more than at the height of the first lockdown.

Following weeks of national restrictions, the number of patients fighting the virus has dropped to 180 according to the latest available figures from February 9.

There are 13 patients in hospital on ventilators.

With non-essential shops and eateries closed and families told to stay at home other than for essential reasons, the number of cases of the virus has dropped in North East.

Peter Sutton, Director of Planning and Business Development at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has been leading the Trust’s emergency response to the pandemic.

He said: “Thankfully we are now starting to see some reduction in the number of people in our hospitals with Covid-19 but the overall numbers still remain very high and we are still treating many patients within our intensive care units who are very seriously ill.

"As always, our staff continue to go above and beyond to put the needs of our patients first whether they are receiving treatment in our hospitals or being cared for by our many community teams.

“It really is a true team effort and we are immensely proud of each and every colleague.

“Whilst this downward trend in overall hospital admissions is encouraging, our message for the public remains very clear - there is absolutely no room for complacency now.

"I would urge everyone to keep following the vital rules around hands, face, space and to take up your offer of a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as the NHS contacts you.”

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