THE chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset said the current coronavirus situation is “extremely worrying”, but what was learnt in the first wave will help manage the current second wave.

In her report as part of a meeting with the board of Directors of UHD, Debbie Fleming, chief executive, said as of November 25, there were 102 coronavirus patients in UHD, nine in the intensive care unit.

It comes as Dorset was placed in Tier 2 of coronavirus restrictions. The decision was based on case detection, case detection in over 60s, the rate in which cases is falling, positivity rate and pressure on the NHS.

After the announcement, some MPs spoke out about their disappointment, with Sir Robert Syms claiming Dorset’s hospitals were “empty” on social media.

Debbie Fleming, in her report, said: “Whilst the current situation is extremely worrying, it is important to note that the NHS as a whole has learned so much from the first wave.

“This will make a very significant difference to the way in which we will manage now that we are dealing with a second wave, and we expect better outcomes for our patients.

“Against this backdrop, it is important to note that the fourteen-day survival rate for patients in intensive care (national rate) has improved from 72 per cent to 85 per cent since the pandemic began.

“With regards to critical care capacity, an escalation plan has been agreed across our two acute hospital sites (RBH and Poole), and if necessary, additional support can be accessed from the wider Wessex Critical Care Network.”

On the planning for the winter period, Ms Fleming said clinicians and senior leaders across the organisation have been working very hard to identify all possible ways of creating additional bed capacity and maintaining hospital activity throughout this busy period.

"Of course, managing the winter in the context of the pandemic, and at a time when we are experiencing a second wave makes this even more challenging. Our clinicians and senior leaders across the organisation have therefore been working very hard to identify all possible ways of creating additional bed capacity and maintaining hospital activity throughout this busy period.

"The situation is made even more challenging in light of the reduced bed capacity within both acute hospitals, in order to maintain safe space/social distancing on our wards.

"At the same time, the Trust is also doing everything possible to preserve outpatient and elective capacity.

"This includes working with the Independent Sector and maximising the use of telemedicine/ remote consultations, so that patients only attend hospital when absolutely necessary. It is recognised that there are now large numbers of patients waiting much longer than normal for treatment, but everything possible is being done to address the situation, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic."

She added: "The Trust is very much sighted on the emotional and physical burden that these operational pressures and workforce gaps mean for our staff. It has become very clear that there is an ongoing need for support for our staff, and as such, we have maintained the enhanced wellbeing service that was mobilised at the start of the pandemic."

This includes the use of 'safe spaces' for staff to take a rest.

Head of infection, Paul Bolton, said: “As we move out of lockdown and into the tiered guidance for how we protect ourselves and others, it is vital that we continue to follow the principles of hands, face and space. Within infection control we think of protecting health and reducing infections by ‘breaking the chain’ of infection.

“If we can work together to keep breaking this chain, we will continue to help reduce the number of cases in our area.

“We are here and ready for you in the hospital, and all that you do now outside the hospital will greatly help all of us.”