Improved Covid-19 picture at North Tees Hospital, says Alex as he thanks local people for keeping to lockdown rules

Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham, has thanked local people for doing the right thing during the lockdown, after it emerged that the number of Covid-19 patients at North Tees Hospital has seen a significant drop.

In January 2021 it was reported that North Tees Hospital was at capacity with 40 per cent of beds being used by Covid-19 patients – and some operating theatres were being used for intensive care patients. This led to Alex writing an open letter to his Stockton North constituents, setting out the picture at North Tees Hospital and reiterating the need for people to stay at home if they can.

Now, in a follow-up call with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust NHS Chief Executive, Julie Gillon, Alex heard how the hospital is seeing its Covid-19 patient numbers drop and is back to normal capacity in its ITU centre.

Alex said:

“In January we were looking at high infection rates and sadly, increased deaths as a result of this virus. Although we are by no means out of the woods, it was heartening to hear that local people have responded to the call to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“Thanks to local people’s efforts our fantastic NHS workers have been able to prioritise care and get patient levels to a more manageable number.

“The fall in the infection rate and number of Covid-19 patients shows that lockdowns do work. We’re also seeing the welcome rise in vaccination numbers, and more vaccines being approved for use – including Novavax which is due to be made at Billingham.

“These are great steps forward but for now I’d urge everyone to keep following the rules – stay at home if you can and help our NHS save lives.”