By Isle of Wight Observer
St Mary’s Hospital has announced it is making plans to gear up to dramatically increase the number of beds available, and that could mean as many as 200 additional beds to care for the expected increase in people with covid-19.
The IW NHS Trust, supported by military planners, is finalising its plans and will announce the detail over the coming days.
There were 14 confirmed cases on coronavirus on the Isle of Wight as of yesterday (Thurs) lunchtime, but that number is almost certain to increase quite dramatically over the next few days. There are also believed to be many more unconfirmed cases on the Island with people self-isolating if they think they have mild symptoms of the virus.
At the time of going to press, there had been two deaths from coronavirus on the Island. The two men, one in his 70s and the other in his 80s, both passed away at St Mary’s Hospital, and had underlying health conditions.
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: ”Our thoughts will be with the friends and family of the two men who have passed away. This sad incident is a reminder to us all of the potentially fatal effects of this virus. I urge all Islanders to continue to follow the health guidelines to reduce the likelihood of more deaths on the Island. By doing so we will reduce infections on the Island and keep Islanders safe and there will be fewer fatalities. I would like to reiterate our deep thanks to the NHS staff on the Island.”
Press Release