Dr Andrew Page, head of informatics at Norwich s Quadram Institute.
- Credit: Quadram Institute
A leading scientist has called for a hard lockdown after more than three quarters of coronavirus cases at Norfolk s largest hospital were found to be the new variant.
Experts at Norwich s Quadram Institute discovered that out of 96 samples of positive coronavirus cases at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), tested between December 20 and December 27, 81pc were caused by the new strain.
Dr Andrew Page, head of informatics at the Quadram Institute, said: It seems to be spreading more rapidly. We need to try different measures.
Three patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King s Lynn had tested positive, along with one at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Two men, one in his 70s and one in his 60s, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Tragically, they would be followed by hundreds more.
The first fatalities of coronavirus patients in Norfolk happened at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King s Lynn.
- Credit: Sonya Duncan
By this point, people with continuous coughs and fevers were being told to self isolate, people aged 70 urged to stay at home and everyone advised against non essential travel .
People were being urged to wash their hands and the words social distancing had entered everyday language, although face masks were yet to become the common sight they are today.
Erika Denton, NNUH medical director, said: “We are extremely concerned by the rising Covid-19 infection rates and hospital admissions in the region and would urge everyone to redouble their efforts and follow the national guidance. It is more important than ever for people to socially distance from others, wear face masks when needed and maintain regular and thorough hand washing.
“We have plans to increase capacity to treat our sickest patients, which includes two designated surge wards and the third floor of the new ward block. The highly specialised negative pressure isolation unit (NPIU) is on standby to be used to treat vulnerable patients.”
We re one big team, and the way our staff have responded during the year has been amazing. The pandemic has really tested people s resilience but throughout, staff have given 110pc to keep the quality of patient care at a high level, while looking after each other too.
As well as initiating the Face Fit testing regime to ensure staff are as safe as possible during the pandemic, Miss Copping and the JPUH team have worked at a national level to help influence UK design and manufacture of developing masks with other acute trusts and NHS national procurement teams.
Miss Copping s many roles have including specialising in orthopaedic nursing, as well as overseeing the newly-opened orthopaedic rehabilitation ward at Lowestoft Hospital in 1998 after being promoted to senior sister.
The number of coronavirus deaths at Norfolk s hospitals has passed 600
- Credit: Archant
The number of people to have died at Norfolk s hospitals after contracting Covid-19 has passed 600.
And latest figures show that around 100 more beds are being occupied by coronavirus patients than during the first wave of the pandemic.
As of December 27, a total of 603 patients had died having been admitted to the county s hospitals.
The data, which includes the Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust, shows a distinct rise in deaths at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) since mid-November.
By November 13, 129 people had died at the county s largest hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, but that figure has now jumped to 209 - a 62pc rise.