BASINGSTOKE hospital was put on ‘black alert’ earlier this month following a surge in Covid-19 patients. Hospitals usually declare this highest alert level when they are under such significant pressure that they cannot ‘deliver comprehensive care’ and patient care is at risk. However, a spokesperson for HHFT said the alert system is internal and refers only to Covid patients, not the wider care of other hospital patients. Alex Whitfield, chief executive of HHFT reported to the board of directors on January 28 that the Aldermaston Road hospital had been moved to ‘black alert’ status following a rise in Covid-19 patients. The Gazette asked the trust earlier in January if it was on ‘black alert’, and a spokesperson responded to say it has its “own internal Covid status system to manage our patients and staffing levels depending on the severity and pressure on our service”.
ANDOVER hospital was put on red alert earlier this month, indicating major pressures compromising patient flow which continue to increase. Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT) reported to the board of directors on January 28 that the Charlton Road hospital had been moved to the second highest ‘red alert’ status. However, a spokesperson for HHFT said the alert system is internal and refers only to Covid patients, not the wider care of other hospital patients. Julie Maskery, chief operating officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told the Advertiser: “During the pandemic, we have implemented an internal Covid status system to monitor the level of Covid activity in our hospitals, and appropriately action our plans as needed.
NHS workers desperate plea after moving to hotel to protect pregnant fiancé and sick mum
A BASINGSTOKE hospital worker forced to move into a hotel is urging the public to stay at home so he can be reunited with his family. Yesterday, Kyle Hadnett moved into the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke following concerns his job may put his clinically vulnerable family at higher risk of contracting coronavirus. The orthopaedic trauma discharge coordinator has left his 28-week pregnant fiancé and mother and father at home whilst he continues as a key worker on the front line. The 27-year-old is now pleading that the public plays their part as he is desperate to get home.