Wigan public’s vital role in fight against virus

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh’s (WWL) has been battling Coronavirus for weeks now, so far treating more than 450 patients who have tested positive, and is on the cusp of opening its new modular critical care ward which has been constructed in a matter of weeks.

It can’t come too soon as the hospital death toll of those who have caught Covid-19 rose by four more to 185 yesterday.

Dr Sanjay Arya, a consultant cardiologist and medical director who has been charged with leading WWL’s response to the pandemic, says the number of tragedies would be far higher if it weren’t for Wiganers abiding by the lockdown rules and preventing the Trust from becoming overwhelmed with infections.

Dr Arya said: “What has helped in making sure we haven’t had too many cases, and too many deaths, is that people have listened to the lockdown and have followed the instructions.

“Even essential workers who have to go out to work have maintained the social distancing. Healthcare staff have made sure they follow infection control methods to prevent cross-infection. And we have worked as a community to fulfil a role that is expected of us.

“A fortnight ago there was a slight scare across the country that we might not have enough PPE. But the community, colleges and schools, got together and donated a lot of PPE like gowns and visors.”

He praised the work of hospital boss Silas Nicholls for his efforts in working to ensure patients are receiving the best care. Dr Arya said: “On the whole, I believe that our hospitals in W igan are coping very well. We have made every elaborate arrangements to make sure our patients get the best care.

“Overall I am satisfied that our patients are being well looked after because we have prepared ourselves well.

“Our chief executive Silas Nicholls really helped us prepare for the pandemic in a very strong way.

“Over the last several weeks we have treated over 450 patients with Covid-19 and a large number of these patients have been safely discharged. Some are still being treated and are doing well. Sadly, some have died, but it is very pleasing that a large number of patients have been able to go home. A lot of them are elderly and patients who have underlying health conditions.

“This is a very positive story, that our doctors and nurses have worked hard to help many patients get better.”

He added: “Our doctors and nurses are still working very hard. Morale is high, however we are all very saddened by the fact that some of our patients have died.

“It is affecting our doctors, our nurses, our therapists. But we have all gone into healthcare for a reason, and we will make sure it does not affect the care of our patients - we are delivering care with a smile on our faces.”

When the virus first began to tighten its grip on the country, Wigan Infirmary saw a sharp decline in the number of people seeking urgent medical treatment, including victims of heart attacks and strokes, because people were so scared of coming to hospital and catching Covid-19.

To the relief of Dr Arya and everyone at Wigan Infirmary, the number of people coming to A&E is on the rise again, after residents heard of the Trust’s plans to safely separate Coronavirus patients. He also said WWL was making sure its staff were still getting their regular breaks and taking annual leave to avoid burnout.

But despite the considerable success in the borough’s fight against coronavirus so far, now is not the time to take the foot off the gas, Dr Arya warned.

“When the lockdown is lifted, there is a very high risk that there will be a further increase in the number of Covid-19 patients,” he said.

“But we can reduce this risk by maintaining social distancing when the lockdown is lifted, by only going out of the house if it is absolutely essential, and avoid congregations of too many people.”