Ayrshire hospitals are edging closer to their Covid-bed capacity as admissions hit their highest point in six months.
The health board has confirmed they have 93 designated beds for coronavirus patients, with 83 three of those currently occupied.
Worried health chiefs have told how the service is facing constant pressure from an autumn Covid surge — with numbers hitting the 80s for the first time in six months.
In the past seven days, Covid patient numbers in Ayrshire have almost doubled. The figures announced yesterday also include seven patients who are fighting Covid in ICU.
Ayrshire's top doctor insists the numbers may only be accurate for a short period of time and that the situation remains fluid.
Medical director Dr Crawford McGuffie said: “As of 8am Monday, September 13, 2021, NHS Ayrshire & Arran currently has 93 designated Covid-19 beds.
“We currently have 80 Covid-19 positive patients within our acute hospitals.
“Designated Covid-19 bed capacity is constantly evaluated and adjusted, as the number of beds required is subject to change to meet demand.
“Reporting a specific occupancy rate or available number of beds to treat Covid-19 may only be accurate for a short period of time.
“Our bed capacity in our acute hospitals on any given day flexes up and down. We are able to use our capacity flexibly between urgent, emergency cases, elective and Covid-19 cases. This process is supported by multiple daily operational and governance meetings.”
The health board yesterday told how the Covid autumn surge is leading to staff absences.
Ayrshire Live revealed that 42 staff had been struck down with coronavirus and were self-isolating at home after a positive test.
A further 44 members of NHS staff were quarantined at home due to being identified as a close contact.
Last week, NHS Ayrshire & Arran suspended all visiting at hospitals.
It followed their announcement to temporarily axe elective surgeries as they bosses confirmed they were working on an emergency planning basis.
Cancer diagnostic procedures and surgeries are still going ahead.
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