London hospital Northwick Park declares critical incident after surge in coronavirus cases
London hospital Northwick Park in Harrow has declared a “critical incident” after experiencing a surge in coronavirus patients.
In a message to staff seen by the Health Service Journal, Northwick Park Hospital said it has no critical care capacity left and has contacted neighbouring hospitals about transferring patients who need critical care to other sites.
The message said: “I am writing to let you know that we have this evening declared a ‘critical incident’ in relation to our critical care capacity at Northwick Park Hospital. This is due to an increasing number of patients with Covid-19.”
“This means that we currently do not have enough space for patients requiring critical care. As part of our system resilience plans, we have contacted our partners in the North West London sector this evening to assist with the safe transfer of patients off of the Northwick Park site.”
The hospital is run by London North West University Healthcare Trust, which has reported six deaths related to coronavirus at Northwick Park.
It comes after NHS England confirmed a further 39 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the death toll in the UK to 184.
The majority of the deaths are believed to be in south of England and London. Reportedly, 17 of the deaths related to coronavirus have occurred today were based in London.
Scientists advising the government have said social distancing measures need to be in place for “at least most of a year” to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
In a press conference last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK could “turn the tide” against coronavirus in 12 weeks. However, evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which is advising ministers on the outbreak” cast doubt on these claims.
“It was agreed that a policy of alternating between periods of more and less strict social distancing measures could plausibly be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity,” said the scientists.
The PM singled out London and said measures may be taken to enforce social distancing measures in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.