Number of Covid patients at KGH has reduced significantly - but don't be complacent

The number of patients being treated for Covid-19 at KGH has 'reduced significantly' - but hospital bosses have urged people not to become complacent.

In May more than 100 people were being treated for the killer virus as the nation battled to contain the spread.

In total more than 200 people who had tested positive for Covid have died at the Rothwell Road hospital, although the number of deaths has dramatically slowed down.

Now the hospital says that, as of Wednesday (August 12), they had fewer than 10 confirmed or suspected Covid cases on any given day over the previous five days.

But with cases on the rise in the community - and with public health bosses warning Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough are all at risk of a local lockdown - the hospital has urged people not to become complacent.

Director of nursing and quality, Leanne Hackshall, said: “In recent weeks the number of Covid positive patients being admitted to our hospital has reduced significantly which is good news.

“The way the we are treating all of our patients, and keeping them safe, has also been fine tuned in line with national guidance with a much greater use of telephone consultation, creating socially distanced clinical areas, and very strict infection prevention and control procedures involving patients and staff.

“However the current situation across the country, and in Northamptonshire, remains fragile and we know that people continue to test positive for the virus in our local communities.

“We very strongly urge people not to become complacent and to continue their personal vigilance.

“Please continue to wash your hands regularly, and thoroughly, for more than 30 seconds, maintain appropriate social distance, wear face coverings where it has been indicated and be mindful of your social interactions with others, especially those who are older or with conditions which make them more vulnerable to Covid-19.”

Covid testing stations can currently be found in Kettering's London Road car park, James Ashworth VC Square in Corby, the Tesco superstore in Wellingborough and in Northampton's Market Square and Moulton Park.

Yesterday it was revealed almost 300 employees at one Northampton factory - M&S sandwich makers Greencore - have tested positive.

Public health bosses are due to hold a press conference this afternoon.

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