THE number of people being treated in hospital for Covid are continuing to fall in County Durham and Darlington since restrictions were eased last month.

Elsewhere in the region, NHS data shows the number of people in hospital with the disease have stayed broadly the same since February 21, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to end Covid restrictions.

Medics are still urging people to get vaccinated to protect themselves from Covid and reduce the risk of suffering further complications.

This week, the NHS launched its Change of Heart campaign, aimed at getting young people who have not yet been vaccinated to reconsider their choice.

Figures show about one in four people aged between 18 and 29 are unvaccinated.

Read more: NHS campaign to increase uptake of Covid jab among young people

Across the North East and Yorkshire, there are 1,424 patients with Covid in hospitals, while 34 people are in ventilated beds.

On February 21, that figure stood at 1,416.

Patients are still being treated on two Covid wards at James Cook University Hospital but numbers have dropped from 110 on February 21, to 104 on March 1.

The most recent data shows one person was being treated in a ventilation bed.

A South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: "Our fantastic clinicians are continuing to care for patients with the virus on two Covid wards at The James Cook University Hospital.

"Vaccines remain our first line of defence against the virus, and getting jabbed is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves.

"We know that people can get Covid again and again and even if it does not make them critically ill, there is still the risk of developing further complications."

In County Durham and Darlington, the number of Covid patients has fallen from 78 on February 21 to 39 on March 1.

One person was being treated in a ventilation bed.

Figures also show the number of beds occupied by people who tested positive for Covid decreased by 64 per cent in the last four weeks.

A total of 45 new Covid patients were admitted to one of the trust's hospitals in the week to February 27. This was down from 74 in the previous seven days.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The number of patients admitted to our hospitals with Covid-19 has been decreasing quite steadily since mid-February, reflecting the regional trend. 

"Our hospitals are still very busy but we have plans in place so we can safely care for these patients whilst continuing to deliver other services, including outpatient clinics and planned surgery.”  

In North Tees and Hartlepool, there were 36 patients with Covid on March 1, down from 40 on February 21.

There was a 56 per cent decrease in the number of people being treated with Covid in 28 days.

Deepak Dwarakanath, medical director at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There has been a continued reduction in the number of patients being treated with Covid-19 under our care.

“This is very positive news and has allowed us to focus resources elsewhere, including working hard to tackle a backlog of routine operations and procedures.

“Having said this, it’s still very important we all remain mindful of ongoing risks of the virus and of any potential new strains which may develop.

“The best way to make sure we and our loved ones are protected is to get the vaccine – we have already seen how effective it has proven to be.

“At the organisation, we are still following infection control measures including the use of masks in our buildings and other appropriate PPE in clinical areas.”

 

North East and Yorkshire

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 1,070

Patients in hospital on March 1: 1,424

Patients in ventilation beds: 34

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 1,416

 

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 45

Patients in hospital on March 1: 39

Patients in ventilation beds: 1

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 78

 

Gateshead:

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 14

Patients in hospital on March 1: 20

Patients in ventilation beds: 0

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 45

 

Newcastle

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 46

Patients in hospital on March 1: 43

Patients in ventilation beds: 2

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 31

 

North Tees and Hartlepool

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 27

Patients in hospital on March 1: 36

Patients in ventilation beds: 2

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 40

 

Northumberland

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 78

Patients in hospital on March 1: 58

Patients in ventilation beds: 0

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 62

 

South Tees Hospitals

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 83

Patients in hospital on March 1: 104

Patients in ventilation beds: 1

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 110

 

South Tyneside and Sunderland

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 58

Patients in hospital on March 1: 79

Patients in ventilation beds: 6

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 87

 

York Teaching Hospital

Patients admitted in seven days to February 27: 82

Patients in hospital on March 1: 155

Patients in ventilation beds: 2

Patients in hospital on Feb 21: 142

 

 

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