Nickie Aiken MP in conversation with Barts Health intensive care consultant
Jeremy Cordingley, a consultant in intensive care medicine working at St Bartholemew's Hospital, was recently interviewed by Nickie Aiken MP (Cities of London and Westminster) for her podcast.
In an extensive discussion they talked about the recent rise in Covid-19 cases and its impact on staff and services, including support in place for staff, redeployment, vaccinations, and the role of the public in helping the NHS.
On the recent wave, Jeremy said: “intensive care units in London, and across the country, have seen a huge rise in activities related to Covid-19." He explained that “north east London has been hit hard with the recent rise in infections that has stretched our services considerably."
On the difference between the first and second wave, he said: “our hospitals were already very full of patients. We’ve had to admit more patients than in April, and services and staff were already under considerably more pressures than in the first wave.”
On the challenges being faced, he explained how surge centres had been set up with a focus on treating Covid-19 patients, including at The Royal London Hospital.
There had been significant challenges faced in escalating the intensive care unit, from 44 beds to over 150 beds in a short space of time. He said this has been an extraordinary team effort, in terms of staffing, logistics, and communications.
On operations, Jeremy explained: “we tried to carry out as much cancer treatment as we can, though with cardiac and other surgery, we have had to focus on urgent care – as we don’t have the intensive care capacity – and teams have been redeployed to help with treating Covid-19”.
On vaccinations, he said: “if people are offered a vaccine, they really should go and have it”, noting that it’s really important people do all they can, whether following the guidance or by having the vaccine.
You can listen to the full podcast here.
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