'Worrying' rise in Covid patients at Shropshire hospitals but infection rates stabilise

There were 50 patients with Covid-19 in local hospitals as of Tuesday.

The Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council areas both have some of the highest infection rates in the West Midlands.

And although the rate in the Shropshire Council area is now decreasing, health bosses have written an open letter calling for the public's help ahead of what they warn could be the most challenging winter in history.

Extra staff are being brought in to work in the county's hospitals and communities, while capacity in the A&E departments will also be increased, it says.

Case rate figures for the week to November 27 - the latest period where full data is available - show only Worcester had a higher infection rate than Telford.

There were 1,108 new cases in the Telford and Wrekin borough in that week, an increase of 50 compared to the previous seven days, giving a rate of 611.1 cases per 100,000 people. The rate was 583.5 in the week to November 20.

In Shropshire 1,837 new Covid cases were reported in the seven days to November 27, a decrease of 209 on the previous week, giving an infection rate of 500.6 per 100,000 people. This compares to a rate of 564.5 in the previous week.

The highest infection rates in England remain in the south west and south east of the country, with Torridge in Devon topping the infection charts with a rate of 1.044.8. The highest rate in Wales is in Gwynedd in the north west of the country where the rate is 826.9.

Health bosses in Shropshire say taking simple steps can ease the "unprecedented strain" on local health services.

Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's director for public health, said: “In the last week, our local hospitals had significantly more people with Covid-19, which is worrying.

"Hospitals report that the sickest patients with Covid-19 are those who did not have their vaccination.

“Given also the national concern over the Omicron variant, it has never been more important to get fully vaccinated, including with your booster, if eligible.

“We all need to help reduce the growing pressure on our local NHS and hospitals – so that those who need their services the most can access them in full and on time.

“Simple but efficient steps help protect your loved ones and your community and ease the unprecedented strain on local health services.

“Get your Covid and flu vaccinations if eligible, test before visiting people who are at higher risk of illness if they catch Covid and follow the rules – face covering in public buildings, hands-face-space and let fresh air in, when at home with visitors or in a busy enclosed space.

“Thank you for doing your bit to reduce Covid spread.”

Councillor Andy Burford, cabinet member for health and social care at Telford & Wrekin Council, urged people to get fully vaccinated.

“This weekend there’s another chance for our residents to get vaccinated while they are doing their Christmas shopping," he said.

“It couldn’t be easier, as you don’t need an appointment. Pop into Southwater One on Saturday between 11am and 4pm.

“Other clinics are also available across the borough, such as in Wellington at the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council building every Friday, from 11.30am-3.30pm. Check all the locations, dates and time for local walk-in clinics."

For young people aged 12-15 year olds, parents need to accompany their child to the clinic.

Jabs will be given on a first come, first served basis and clinics may close early if all allocated vaccine has been used.

“Let’s all keep the ones we love protected and well – it’s the best gift we can give this Christmas," Councillor Burford added.