Between 1 December and 31 December 2021, 124 patients with Covid-19 were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) across north east London (NEL). Of these, 80.6% (100) were not fully vaccinated (with 2 doses).
ICUs play an important role in hospitals, including looking after patients undergoing major surgery, for conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Parjam Zolfaghari, a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia at Barts Health NHS Trust said: “A considerable amount of resource is needed to treat patients in ICU, and those with Covid-19 are no exception. On average, a person with Covid-19 stays in an ICU bed for three times longer than ICU patients who are admitted with other conditions. The ongoing admission of patients with Covid-19 to critical care units is impacting on already stretched staff and, causing sustained pressure on services across north east London.”
He continues: “This clearly shows that getting two doses of a vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 and ending up in hospital. The individuals currently in our ICUs with Covid-19 are unlikely to have been admitted to intensive care if they had been fully vaccinated.”
To protect yourself and your loved ones, and to reduce pressures on our hospitals, everyone who is eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine that hasn’t already had one (first, second or booster dose) is strongly advised to so as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated will reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19, meaning you’re less likely to be admitted to hospital. This is better for you, will reduce pressures on hospitals and will reduce delays in care for other patients who need it.
There is comprehensive information on the over 100 vaccination sites in north east London, guidance, and answers to questions about the vaccine here: https://www.eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk/ourplans/covid-19-vaccination-programme.htm
