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At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we were asked, and needed, to make some big changes to the way we worked and delivered care to keep our patients and our 4,500+ members of staff safe, at pace.
Two years later, on 1 April 2022, the Government lifted the last of its special measures for managing COVID-19. Living with the infection has become part of our everyday activity.
Below you can find some important information on how COVID-19 impacted Salisbury District Hospital between March 2020 and March 2022 and our response in numbers. Behind some of the numbers are families and friends who are mourning a life cut short and behind each and every patient are the staff who provided them with the very best possible care in the most difficult of circumstances.
Stacey Hunter, our Chief Executive has said:
"The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our work and home lives in ways we could never have imagined. Throughout this time, the teamwork across the hospital and with our community partners was outstanding. From the generous outpouring of support from the community which helped to ensure the Stars Appeal could continue to deliver the popular care packages to staff, to the support from the military and the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service - it was the 'one team ethos' that got us through."
The following information was correct as of 31 March 2022 and will not be updated.
Total number of COVID-19 positive patients
In order to provide care for those suffering the severe impact of COVID-19 infection we made changes to the way the hospital worked. This involved separating ward areas, to ensure patients with suspected COVID-19 were looked after separately to other patients requiring admission.
The following information was based on submissions through the National Daily COVID-19 returns, or the COVID-19 Patient Notification System (CPNS) from 08.03.2020 to 28.02.2022.
The total number of patients with a positive COVID-19 test with an inpatient stay was 1,400.
Total number of COVID-19 positive patients discharged
Staff across the hospital worked in different ways and in an ever-changing environment, in order to limit the impact of the virus.
The following information was based on submissions through the National Daily COVID-19 returns or the COVID-19 Patient Notification System (CPNS) from 08.03.2020 to 28.02.2022.
The total number of patients with a positive COVID-19 test with an inpatient stay discharged home was 1,057.
Total number of COVID-19 positive patients who passed away
Behind every number we report are families and friends who are mourning a life cut short. And behind each and every patient are the staff who provided them with the very best possible care in the most difficult of circumstances.
Sadly, the total number of patients with a positive COVID-19 test with an inpatient stay who passed away is 252.
Our thoughts and condolences are with all our patients' families and loved ones at this very difficult and distressing time.
Total number of COVID-19 positive patients treated in Intensive Care
The hospital's Intensive Care and High Dependency Unit has unfortunately seen some of the sickest patients with COVID-19 and has had to double in size during the pandemic. Sadly lives have been lost, but the unit has also had patients who have made a good recovery…as outlined in the special BBC Newsnight Report that aired in January 2021.
The total number of patients with a positive COVID-19 test treated in our Intensive Care Unit was 145.
Total number of staff who have self-isolated/been off sick due to COVID-19
The exposure faced by frontline health and care workers puts them at a greater risk of catching COVID-19. Many of our staff were affected. Hundreds caught the virus and over a quarter self-isolated in order to safeguard those most at risk of adverse or serious reactions to COVID-19.
The following information was taken from data collected between 01.03.2020 and 28.02.2022.
The total number of individual staff members who self-isolated due to COVID-19 was 1,847.
The total number of individual staff members who were signed off sick due to COVID-19 was 1,416.
Total number of additional cleans undertaken
The frequency of cleaning, of both the environment and equipment in care (patient) areas was increased to at least twice daily, this included frequently touched sites/points and communal facilities such as shared toilets.
The following information was taken from data collected between the 08.03.2020 and 28.02.2022.
The total number of additional cleans that had taken place at our hospital was 19,852.
Total number of Staff Risk Assessments carried out
Emerging evidence suggests that, in addition to a list of health-related physical conditions, COVID-19 health outcomes are affected by four main factors; age, gender, ethnicity, religion or beliefs and weight. We risk assess staff members' vulnerability against these measures.
The total number of Staff Risk Assessments carried out was 6,165.
Total number of laptops deployed for remote working
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly needed to find new ways of working. Staff working in non-patient-facing roles, or who were self-isolating, or shielding were equipped to work from home.
The total number of additional laptops deployed for remote working was over 500.
Total number of messages to loved ones distributed to patients
To protect everyone at the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, all visiting except for those receiving end of life care and those with special needs was suspended. For families and friends, not able to visit their loved ones, we set up a dedicated email address enabling them to send messages and keep in touch.
The total number of messages to loved ones distributed was 2,757.
Total number of individual PPE items used
Staff are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), in line with national infection prevention and control (IPC) PPE guidance, to ensure everyone stays protected.
The total number of individual items of PPE used was 33,816,972.
Total number of music sessions provided by the Stars Appeal Live Arts Programme
A team of artists and volunteers from ArtCare helped to lift the spirits of patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some activities, designed to distract from the routine of the hospital day, moved online. Others, like the Stars Appeal Live Arts Programme music sessions, which could be undertaken outside and in line with social distancing guidelines, continued throughout.
The total number of music sessions provided by the Stars Appeal Live Arts Programme was 859.
Total number of staff and patients vaccinated on site
Once COVID-19 vaccinations became available, NHS organisations were instructed to rapidly vaccinate staff. We established a vaccination hub here at the hospital in late December 2020, staffed by over 120 staff and volunteers, to vaccinate both our staff and those of our external healthcare partners and some patients.
The total number of staff and patients vaccinated on site was 13,415.
Total number of COVID-19 Daily Staff Bulletins
It was evident, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that swift dissemination of information to our staff was vital. A COVID-19 Daily Staff Bulletin was introduced. These daily email briefings provided the most up-to-date, accurate information on COVID-19, national guidance, hospital policy, and other relevant news.
The total number of COVID-19 email briefings issued was 500.
Total number of births
Throughout our response to the COVID-19 pandemic the hospital continued to provide critical and urgent care to everyone who needed it and of course, our maternity team never stopped delivering babies.
The total number of births was 4,377.
Total number of video consultations
COVID-19 restrictions limited our ability to undertake face-to-face appointments. Video and other remote consultations provided an alternative way for our patients to attend their hospital appointments, without the inconvenience of travel.
The total number of video consultations was 17,033.
Total number of PCR tests completed
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing has been critical to our on-going operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, we introduced testing for patients, exactly three days before coming to hospital for their procedure, in order to provide protection for them, other patients and our staff.
The total number of PCR tests completed by our Microbiology Department was 129,588.
Total number of people recruited to COVID-19 research studies
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust is one of the top performing small acute Trusts in the country for research, and offers patients the opportunity to take part in research whenever possible. Conducting high-quality clinical research helps us to keep improving NHS care by finding out what treatments work best.
The total number of people recruited to COVID-19 research studies was 2,791.
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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
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Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8BJ
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