Wigan hospitals continue urgent and emergency care despite Covid-19 admissions rise

Wigan's NHS Trust says it is continuing to provide urgent, emergency and cancer care, despite concerns that the rise in Covid-19 infections could put a stop to them.

The Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) NHS Trust have seen an increase in demand on services across its sites as the borough's virus infection rates continue to rise.

The Trust revealed that 95 per cent of its beds are currently occupied, with over a third of them being used for Covid patients.

But Silas Nicholls, Chief Executive of WWL, has today assured Wiganers that urgent treatment is still being provided, adding that no decision to cancel urgent operations has been made as of yet,

Mr Nicholls said: “We are seeing a rise in Covid-19 infections across our communities, and with it, increasing demand on services, across all of our hospital and community sites. Our hospitals are extremely busy with 95% of our hospital beds filled, and with over a third of our beds being occupied by patients with Covid-19.

“We are continuing to provide care for our non Covid-19 patients and it is vital that anyone with concerns about their health continues to come forward for help and treatment.

“All urgent, emergency and cancer care will continue, as will routine appointments and outpatient services. In line with national guidance, no decision as yet has been made to cancel urgent appointments or operations.

“We are advising patients unless they hear from us otherwise, to continue to attend your healthcare or hospital appointment.

“Now, more than ever, it is so important that we adhere to government guidance to help keep ourselves and others safe, and reduce the rate of infection by washing your hands, wearing a mask, and observing social distancing.

“On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank our staff and patients for their patience and support, while we continue to serve our local community during this unprecedented and challenging time.”

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