As the Omicron wave of Covid-19 makes its impact felt, the boss of the Newcastle Hospitals has revealed more than 100 people on the wards at the Freeman and the RVI have tested positive for the virus.
But, according to Dame Jackie Daniel, "around half" of these are people who are "incidentally" positive - which means Covid-19 is not the reason they were initially admitted to hospital.
This comes as NHS data shows hospitals across our region - including the RVI and the Freeman - are under huge pressure from Covid-19-related staff absence.
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Writing in her blog, Dame Jackie - Newcastle Hospitals chief exec - said: "Today we have over 100 patients in the trust with COVID-19. Around half of them are ‘incidental’ contacts – meaning they are in hospital for a different reason, but have tested positive rather than being admitted to hospital due to their Covid symptoms.
"The ability of the Omicron variant to spread so quickly and easily means that we have seen an increase in transmission of the virus in hospital."
She added that while the hospitals had thus far during the pandemic seen "incredibly low" levels of people catching Covid on wards, "we need to redouble our efforts" to ensure that continues.
"It’s important not to let our guard down because we are busy," she said.
Dame Jackie also paid tribute to hospital staff.
"I know that many people gave up celebrations with their families and loved ones, and sacrificed precious time off to support our patients," she said. "Everyone in our hospitals, our labs, our community services and our vaccination programme has yet again risen to the challenge that the pandemic has created."
NHS data published on Friday showed that there were 602 Newcastle Hospitals staff absent due to Covid-19 - either because they have the virus or they have to isolate - on January 2.
The figure was even higher on December 30 - hitting 747. By comparison, on December 1, just 193 people were off ill with Covid or isolating.
This comes as the army has been drafted in to support hospital in London - while the military is ready to support hospitals in our region too, there's no indication that health authorities have requested this yet.
