Latest data released by Public Health England has shown that Herefordshire’s COVID-19 infection rate has started to fall after hitting record levels.
Latest data shows that in the seven day period ending 8th January, a total of 2,445 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Herefordshire. This is a fall of 4.5% on the previous seven day period and will give local health officials some hope, despite the NHS remaining under significant pressure both locally and nationally.
NHS England data for the 11th January shows a total of 46 patients with COVID-19 at hospitals in Herefordshire (Wye Valley NHS Trust). This is an increase of 21 on the previous week and explains why a small number of wards have been closed to new admissions.
Despite 46 patients having COVID-19 at hospitals in the county, data shows that no patients were requiring mechanical ventilations at hospitals in the county.
Wye Valley NHS Trust has explained the current visiting restrictions and exceptions that are in place at hospitals in Herefordshire.
It comes as a small number of wards at hospitals in the county, including Hereford County Hospital, have had to be closed to new admissions due to outbreaks of COVID-19 within the hospital. These outbreaks and increases in cases tie in with Herefordshire seeing a record number of new cases of the virus at the start of this year.
A statement from Wye Valley NHS Trust says:
Visiting at Wye Valley NHS Trust’s hospitals/wards in Herefordshire, including Hereford County Hospital, Ross, Leominster and Bromyard Community Hospitals remains suspended.
There are some areas with exceptions in place, including on compassionate grounds, which must be agreed with the nurse in charge, and these are listed on the Trust’s website page – https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/about-us/our-performance/infection-prevention/coronavirus-public-health-england-advice/visiting-during-covid-19.aspx
The Trust is seeing an increase in hospital inpatient COVID-19 confirmed cases, which reflects the increase of cases in the community, and a small number of its wards are currently closed to admissions due to inpatient cases of COVID-19.
These patients are being cared for in isolation and Covid-19 testing for all inpatients on these ward has been carried out. The Trust has also undertaken ward staff testing.
Patient safety is paramount and the Trust has stringent infection prevention and control measures in place to help minimise the transmission of this virus within its hospitals. The Trust has tried and tested plans in place and our hospital is set up to care for coronavirus patients.
All inpatients are tested for Covid-19 on admission to hospital and cared for in isolation if their test is positive. This testing is also undertaken during the hospital stay and when patients need to be transferred to care homes or a community hospital.
Enhanced cleaning and decontamination regimes are in place across the Trust and staff are required to wear personal protective equipment when caring for patients and follow hand hygiene practices, in line with The UK Health Security Agency guidance, to provide the safest possible care to patients.
We would like to thank local residents for following the Governments’ advice and guidance. It is important that we continue to do this, in particular staying at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19 in line with the current Government testing guidelines.
We would also like to remind people that the best way to prevent becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 is to ensure you take up the offer for a first, second or booster vaccination if you are eligible.
