DORSET hospital chiefs have insisted plans have been drawn up to deal with an increased number of coronvirus patients this winter – but stressed all communities also have a part to play.

With the second national lockdown just hours away, the chief nursing officers for University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) and Dorset County Hospital said the health care sites have “carefully rehearsed” plans in place.

From tomorrow, November 5, new restrictions across England come into force.

In an attempt to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the government is asking residents to again stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.

The current message to people needing to attend Dorset hospital appointments and procedures is that they should continue to do so as normal, but take note of infection control guidance that has been communicated to them and is on display in hospitals.

Planned care continues at present and will only be postponed following a “thorough assessment” of the impact this decision would have.

Over the weekend, data reportedly shown to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior cabinet ministers suggested the south west’s hospitals would reach the peak Covid bed occupancy from the first wave at some point this week.

If no further measures had been imposed, the NHSE Covid hospitalisation projections forecast that even surge capacity across the region would be burnt out in a matter of weeks.

In a joint statement to the Daily Echo, Paula Shobbrook (pictured) and Nicky Lucey, chief nursing officers and directors for infection prevention and control at UHD, and Dorset County Hospital, respectively, said: “To support your hospitals to meet the challenges that Covid-19 faces, and as we see increasing numbers of patients with the virus, we encourage all our communities to play their parts too.

“Washing hands, covering your face and observing the 2m guidance are tangible ways we can all make a difference.

“The public should be assured that we have carefully rehearsed plans in place to manage increasing numbers of patients, as well as greater staff absences, every winter.

“This year these plans take account of Covid-19, for example by creating Covid and non-Covid clinical wards and areas, which will reduce the risk of transmission within the hospital, increased intensive care equipment, beds and staffing, and the training of more staff in infection control and PPE practices.”

Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals are now all run by UHD following the trusts merger over the summer months.

The chief nursing officers added: “We will continually review our routine activity to ensure it does not impact on our ability to provide very urgent care to those that need it. We do not take the decision to postpone planned care lightly, and will only do so after a thorough assessment of the position and the impact on patient care.

“We will of course keep the public updated through our website and social media channels with the very latest advice and guidance.”

“By working together this winter, we can protect each other and save lives.”