EXCLUSIVE: The new Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is calling on Islanders to look out for themselves and their loved ones by getting a booster jab, as he reveals St Mary's Hospital is almost at breaking point.
In an exclusive interview with Isle of Wight Radio, Darren Cattell said that St Mary's Hospital currently has a number of patients with COVID - and there are real concerns about more admissions.
Mr Cattell also revealed that there are a number of patients who are seriously ill, who have not had a vaccination.
Scroll down for full interview
On Sunday, the Prime Minister announced that everyone over 18 - and eligible - will be offered a COVID booster by December 31 - in the battle to stop the spread of COVID and, in particular, the Omicron variant.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday (Monday), health secretary Sajid Javid told MPs 20 per cent of the Covid cases on Friday looked to be of the Omicron variant.
No omicron cases have yet been reported on the Island.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Mr Cattell, said:
"We are absolutely full. All our beds are full up. There's a variety of different types of patients, as you'd expect. We have a number of COIVID patients and a number of other patients who are waiting for care in different settings.
"People we know are fed up, tired, frustrated and anxious. We really are not out of this (pandemic) yet, and we must keep ourselves and others safe.
"We have seen a number of our patients who have a serious illness and haven't had a vaccination. There is a direct correlation there.
"My simple message is for people to stay safe and follow the advice and guidance.
"Get your vaccine and get your booster, please."
IOW NHS Trust Chief Executive, Darren CattellEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Darren Cattell, talks COVID pressures at St Mary's Hospital, vaccinations and urges people to stay safe. Read more here: https://www.iwradio.co.uk/news/isle-of-wight-news/isle-of-wight-nhs-trust-boss-our-beds-at-st-marys-hospital-are-full-up-as-covid-pressures-mount/
Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Tuesday, December 14, 2021
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