A HOSPITAL chief has thanked Teessiders for their support this year as figures show a drop in the number of Covid patients being treated at one trust.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust confirmed 22 patients with Covid were being treated on its sites on Christmas Eve – two of whom are in the intensive care unit at North Tees hospital.

In late October, a total of 46 Covid patients were being treated at University Hospital of North Tees.

Government figures showed there were 28 Covid patients being treated at the trust on Tuesday (December 21).

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Medical director Deepak Dwarakanath wished everyone in Teesside and County Durham a merry Christmas and a happy New Year on behalf of the trust – and thanked the public.

He added: “The support from the public this year has been overwhelming and we are grateful for the kind words and comments we receive on a daily basis.

“During the festive season, we appeal to everyone to do their bit to keep themselves and their families safe and well.

“Please make sure you get both doses of your Covid vaccine and booster, which are safe and effective for all, including expectant mothers and women planning a pregnancy.

“It’s the best way to protect yourself and those you love.

“It’s not just Covid-19 we need to be aware of.

“Your community pharmacist can offer expert advice on a range of common winter illnesses and you can help yourself by not overdoing the festive drinking and making sure your turkey is thoroughly cooked!

“All the best for 2022 from everyone at your local NHS team.”

South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed 48 patients with covid were being treated at its sites on Christmas Eve – of whom five were in critical care.

In his latest blog, James Cook intensive care doctor Richard Cree said the total number of covid patients in the hospital was at the lowest it’s been since the summer.

Stephen McKenna, from the trust, said: “With Christmas now upon us the best present you could give our amazing healthcare workers is to have your covid booster vaccination and use our health services systematically this winter.

“Please don’t just come straight to the emergency department at James Cook University Hospital unless you have a life threatening emergency.

“This is one of the busiest times of the year and we’re working tirelessly to care for those who are seriously ill, so we need your support more than ever.

“We all love a celebration, but please enjoy yourself sensibly over the festive period.

“If you reduce your drinking, you reduce your risk of ill health and also really help our NHS teams to focus on helping those people who need it the most.”

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