Avoiding local lockdown is everyone's responsibility, say health bosses
NHS staff and patients have been told that “avoiding a local lockdown is everyone’s responsibility” amid a rise in coronavirus cases nationally.
Bosses at The Dudley Group NHS Trust, which runs Russells Hall Hospital, said it is vital everyone continues to follow hand-washing and social distancing guidance.
It comes after concerns were raised by the UK’s top health chiefs that people had begun to return to normal too soon following lockdown, as cases shot up among young people. There are fears they will now pass the virus on to the elderly.
Birmingham is being closely monitored as cases continue to rise in the city, while Smethwick has also been a particular concern.
A report from trust chief executive Diane Wake said: “We are working with our colleagues across the council and care settings to remind our staff and public that avoiding a local lockdown is everyone’s responsibility.
"The advice remains to keep two metres apart, wash hands frequently and wear a face covering in certain situations – for example, when coming to hospital.
“It is so important we all follow this advice to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from the virus.”
The Dudley trust said it had plans in place to attempt to manage any second wave of Covid-19 this winter when hospitals are usually at their busiest.
A new board report said changes, such as expanding capacity, would need to be made quickly to keep on top of the virus heading into winter.
The report said: “The process has, to date, identified significant opportunities to mitigate growth in demand in the coming winter period and create capacity to safely manage a second wave of Covid-19.
“The solutions are widely accepted and agreed upon, they are well documented, supported by data and address much of the clinical risk and impact on patient experience seen last winter.”
