On Saturday 40 members of the Scots Guards arrived on the Isle of Wight in preparation for the reconfiguration of St Mary’s Hospital – as highlighted earlier in the week.
The hospital is ramping up its capacity in anticipation of an increase in the number of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases. The areas being reconfigured are
- The Education Centre
- Laidlaw Day Hospital
- The Outpatients Appointments and Records Unit
Offering reassurance
Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, made his latest vlog outside St Mary’s this morning, where he explained that he’d met the military personnel. He offered a reassurance that when the expected increase of Covid-19 cases arrives, the hospital, “will be in the best possible situation to deal with that increase”.
Island volunteers
Leif Marriner, an NHS volunteer driver, made a journey to the mainland yesterday to collect paint for the additional beds that Isle of Wight NHS Trust mentioned earlier in the week.
Other Islanders have volunteered to help move items from the hospital to free up space for the extra capacity.
Maggie Oldham, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said:
“It’s no secret that across the NHS, and certainly here on the Island, people have been working very hard to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and under extraordinary pressure.
“Our teams at the hospital and in our ambulance, community and mental health services have risen to the challenges of the last few weeks and we are hugely grateful for their hard work. But we know there is more work to come and we are doing everything we possibly can to be ready.
“I am glad to welcome the Scots Guards to help us bring in 200 new beds to our hospital site. Having these brave men and women working alongside us will give us the extra support we need to get this huge amount of work done as quickly as possible.”
Dave Stewart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said,
“It is comforting to know that we now have the military’s aid for the plans we have to support our community throughout these unprecedented times.
“However, we should never lose sight of the fact that if everyone takes responsibility for their own actions and follows the very clear advice for social distancing and self-isolation, then we can slow down the spread of the virus.
“We should stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Latest figures
There are a total of 25 confirmed cases of Covid-19 on the Island, with five returned home following treatment and sadly four passed away – all older men with underlying health conditions.
The Government are still urging people to stay home and protect the NHS.
Government Covid-19 guidance: Stay alert and stay safe
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently (video tips).
Social distancing
It is recommended that you maintain at least a two metre gap (about 6.5ft) from people who are not from your household.
Seeking advice
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Article edit
8.30am 6th Apr 2020 – comments from Maggie Oldham and Dave Stewart added
