Covid patient numbers drop below 30 at Shropshire's major hospitals

The numbers being cared for at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Telford peaked towards the end of January at 165.

But updating Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust's board of directors during an online meeting yesterday, its chief executive Louise Barnett said the position was much better despite staff still coping with 'significant pressures'.

She said: "Tragically more than 500 people have lost their lives in our hospitals as a result of the pandemic.

"Our hearts go out to their families and friends.

"It's been an incredibly difficult period and that will continue.

"We saw the peak in terms of the number of people that we were caring for at nearly 170, and I'm pleased to report that we are in a much better position now with less than 30 people.

"However there's still significant pressure and we are working hard to actually support all of our patients and our colleagues. I'm grateful for all the volunteers and people who have been redeployed at these times."

Dr Catriona McMahon, chair of the trust, which runs both RSH and PRH, also paid tribute to its staff who she says are 'exhausted' but remain dedicated to their jobs.

"I'm absolutely astounded at their dedication and their real wish to be here and support patients," she said.

"I'm hearing stories from the members of staff about the differences they are making on a day-to-day basis for people who are coming into the trust regardless of what it is they are coming in with."