THE number of people in county hospitals is at one of its highest peaks in the entire pandemic, latest NHS data shows. 

On April 8 there were 150 people in Worcestershire hospitals with Covid, up from 117 people a week ago.  

In comparison in previous months - including as the Omicron variant first hit - that figure has been lower than 100. For example on January 4 there were 53 people in county hospitals with Covid-19.

The NHS figures show only one person was in an ICU bed and fitted with a ventilator, much lower than in other previous waves.

NHS data also reveals there has been 12 reported deaths at the trust sites - Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch - this week with its total reaching 1,015. 

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust saw two further deaths, with its total reaching 71.

In total there have been 1,086 deaths during the pandemic.

Worcester News:

Simon Adams, the boss of patient watchdog Healthwatch Worcestershire, said the rise in the number of patients was "very concerning" and people should be trying to help stop the spread of the virus. 

"We are concerned now about the challenges the hospitals will have to face and deal with," he said.

"Some of the patients will be there for other reasons but have tested positive for Covid, but that still means they have to treated as if they are a Covid patient. 

"There are things we can do to reduce the pressures while there are very high levels of infection in the community.

"That is about using A&E properly and going to minor injury units instead, if possible.

Worcester News:

"And while the government has removed all the regulations, it would still seem to make sense to take precautions - wearing a face-covering where appropriate, such as in crowded public spaces."

Public Health England (PHE) figures show there were 4,097 cases in the county in the seven days up to April 3, a fall of 30.2 per cent on the previous week.

The PHE figures show:

 

  • Worcester saw a fall of 35.8 per cent to 661 cases.
  • Wychavon, which includes Evesham and Droitwich, saw a fall of 31 per cent to 987 cases. 
  • Malvern Hills saw a fall of 30.1 per cent to 579 cases.
  • Redditch saw a fall of 33.6 per cent to 516 cases, while Bromsgrove saw a fall of 29.7 per cent to 647 recorded cases. 
  • Wyre Forest, which includes Kidderminster, saw a fall of 20.2 per cent to 707 cases. 

 

READ MORE: Virologist slams 'crazy' plan to end Covid self-isolation rule

 

The latest vaccination figures, up to April 7, reveal that 87.5 per cent of Worcestershire adults have had a first dose of a Covid vaccine, 83.8 per cent have had a second, while 69.7 per cent have had a booster.