Operations postponed as Covid cases at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield shoot past 100 mark

A total of 117 people are now being treated for the virus at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, a sharp rise of almost 50 from the previous week.

The Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, which runs the hospital as well as Pontefract and Dewsbury, said it was braced for a further increase and that staff are "working tirelessly in challenging circumstances".

During the first wave, the number of patients being treated for Covid at Pinderfields at any one time peaked at 170 in April, though NHS bosses had prepared for more.

Three operating theatres have been closed across the trust to free up staff, with planned surgery for a number of patients delayed as a result.

In a statement, the trust's chief executive, Martin Barkley, said: "We have seen an escalating number of Covid positive inpatients at our Trust.

"The number of Covid positive patients has increased from 68 patients last week to 117 patients as of 8am on Friday October 23.

"The trust is very prepared for an increase in patients and staff are working tirelessly in challenging circumstances, helping directly or indirectly to provide the care and treatment that our Covid and non-Covid patients need.

"We have not yet had to implement all phases of our escalation plans however, last week the Trust made the crucial decision to close two elective theatres, and today a third one, at Pinderfields Hospital.

"This has meant some planned surgery has been postponed to free up staff to support critically unwell patients who are on ventilation.

"These colleagues are working on our ICU (intensive care unit).

"I am extremely humbled by and grateful for the support our staff are giving each other and our patients."

Mr Barkley also urged the public to follow the government's "hands, face and space" guidance.

In September, it was revealed that 350 local patients had waited more than a year for treatment, because of the pandemic.

Local Democracy Reporting Service