Covid cases drop but more deaths are expected at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

The top doc, speaking during his weekly Covid-19 briefing, said it was “happily a much lower number” than in weeks gone by, with five patients with the virus in hospital: three on general wards and one in critical care at the Vic, and one at the Clifton. There were six patients in hospital last Wednesday.

“We have shown this week 237 deaths against a figure I reported last week of 232,” Dr Gardner said earlier.

Some of those were blamed on “reconciliation of data” – essentially older deaths being verified as coronavirus-related more recently.

But he warned that more deaths are coming.

“There is a reality that we have in the hospital some poorly, frail, elderly patients who may have had Covid earlier on ... maybe in March or April or May, who have remained in hospital poorly and sadly are reaching the end of their lives,” he said.

“Covid is part of their story but it’s not the only part and often these people have a multitude of conditions.

"We are required to show Covid on the death certificate but it will almost certainly not be the only reason why they have reached the end of their lives.

“So that’s an important piece of context in terms of the way we report the figures.”

Dr Gardner described Covid figures in Blackburn with Darwen, where measures were introduced to try and squash a surge, as “worryingly high”.

He said: “I think it’s very important to remind ourselves that that could happen in Blackpool unless we maintain – across the Fylde coast – our vigilance.”

The use of masks within the two hospitals is “now routine”, Dr Gardner said, ahead of face coverings being a legal requirement in shops from next Friday.

“If you come into hospital you are asked to wear a mask,” he said.

“What I would ask of everybody is that you use these masks responsibly.

"We are getting through an enormous number in terms of NHS supply and I’m very anxious we don’t put that supply at risk.”

The Vic’s A&E department was “very busy” yesterday, Dr Gardner added, citing 227 attendances - an average of almost 10 every hour.

“That’s busier than on a similar day this time last year and much, much busier than during the peak of the Covid crisis,” he said.

“I think the important thing about that is it takes longer to be seen and processed through our A&E department because of all the measures we have to take in terms of preventing Covid, so it’s really important that if you do have health care needs you seek advice from the appropriate place.

“I’m not saying that isn’t A&E but I want to remind everybody that by dialling 111 or getting in touch with your GP practice ... then you may be able to get more timely and more appropriate advice than coming to our A&E department.”

Dr Gardner continued: “We are getting back to business as usual. Lots of people will be receiving appointments through outpatients or maybe for surgical procedures. Please look at those letters carefully [for more information].”