THE rising number of Covid-19 cases is not translating into hospital admissions, Salisbury District Hospital has confirmed.

The hospital has said that despite the increase in cases, no Covid patients are currently being treated on site.

Stacey Hunter, Chief Executive of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said: “At the moment the hospital is testing all in patients for Covid-19 and we are pleased to say that we currently have no positive patients on site. We remain mindful of the growing number of cases in the community and how this may impact the hospital.”

Should there be a second wave, Ms Hunter says medics are “prepared and ready” to cope, with ways to maintain normal services and cope with any additional numbers constantly under review.

“The number of Covid-19 tests now being conducted at the hospital for both staff and patients is a significant increase on the numbers at the beginning of the pandemic,” she added.

“If we experience a second surge in Covid-19 at the hospital these tests will be a vital part of how we manage staff shortages and manage patients appropriately, reducing the risk of cross infection and allowing as much routine work to continue as possible.”

Although a large number of planned procedures were either cancelled or postponed as a result of the pandemic, work is underway to make sure those in most need are seen first.

To make up for time spent carrying out procedures such as additional cleaning, video and telephone consultations have been introduced.

“All planned routine procedures and GP referrals have been individually clinically assessed and prioritised according to need. This does mean that some procedures and appointments have been delayed and people are experiencing increased waiting times.

“It is hoped that people will understand that we must see those most in need first and will bear with us as we work through the waiting lists as quickly as possible.”

As for patients who during the peak of the pandemic were refraining from visiting the hospital despite needing urgent treatment, Ms Hunter said: “It’s really important patients continue to attend their appointments if they’re asked to do so.

“We want to reassure our patients that the hospital’s priority is patient safety and we have put a number of measures in place to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.”