Critical care capacity increased as Croydon University Hospital fights back against coronavirus

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

As the coronavirus pandemic worsens in the capital, Croydon University Hospital is dramatically increasing critical care capacity.

There have already been 10 coronavirus-related deaths at the hospital.

And while NHS staff in the hospital are coming under more and more pressure, a series of measures have been put in place to reduce demand.

This includes no visitors allowed at any adult inpatient wards, changes to maternity services, and fewer non-urgent appointments.

Elaine Clancy, chief nurse at the trust, said: “All our staff are working non-stop to care for local people affected by Covid-19, and readying our services for any surge in cases.

“In line with national NHS guidance, we are scaling back non-urgent appointments and looking at new ways in which we can run routine appointments with patients by phone or screen.

“We are also dramatically increasing our critical care capacity to provide life-dependent respiratory support to patients when needed.”

The message from the trust is to stay away from the hospital to avoid the spread of the virus.

And it has now introduced strict rules on visiting with no visitors allowed to any of the adult inpatient wards. But women in labour and children are allowed a limited number of visitors.

A new maternity helpline (07976 681 775) has also been set up which will be staffed from 8am-6pm and is for urgent questions related to Covid-19.

Pregnant women with coronavirus symptoms who need urgent assessment or are in labour need to call ahead so that staff can prepare, on 0208 401 3853/3180.

Ms Clancy added: “This is a rapidly changing and challenging situation, and we are reviewing all of the measures we are taking to ensure the continued safety of our patients and our staff.

“We have been bowled over by the many messages of thanks and the generosity of people in Croydon who have shown their support. This means so much to our staff right now, and you can continue to help us by spreading the message to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus.”