Blackpool Vic boss says elderly Covid patient numbers has "dropped dramatically" due to vaccines

Blackpool Vic's medical director Dr Jim Gardner said the number of over-85s – who are at most risk of dying from the disease – being admitted has dropped “quite dramatically" and attributed the good news to the vaccine roll-out

But medical director Dr Jim Gardner said the number of over-85s – who are at most risk of dying from the disease – being admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and the Clifton Hospital in St Annes has dropped “quite dramatically”, though he did not provide any figures.

He attributed the good news to the vaccine roll-out, which prioritised the elderly, and said: “That absolutely reinforces the importance of everybody who is in an at risk group becoming immunised, because we really are seeing something quite striking changing in the data.”

Speaking during his weekly coronavirus briefing, Dr Gardner said that, as well as the 71 patients who are within 14 days of a positive Covid test, medics are also continuing to treat 82 people who were diagnosed more than a fortnight ago.

Thirteen new Covid-related deaths – where patients die within 28 days of testing positive for the illness – have been recorded at the Vic, taking its death toll to 719, according to official NHS figures

He said: “We are still seeing some people who are really poorly with Covid. It is still a big problem for all of us, and therefore we have to remain really vigilant.”

Thirteen new Covid-related deaths – where patients die within 28 days of testing positive for the illness – have been recorded, taking the Vic’s death toll to 719, according to official NHS figures.

“I think that’s a little bit lower than previous weeks,” Dr Gardner added after announcing 24 deaths last Wednesday.

“It may be because of the change in the age profile we are seeing.”

There continues to be a “progressive decline” in the community infection rate, Dr Gardner said, citing figures per 100,000 of 154 for Blackpool, down from 202 last week, 155 for Fylde, down from 209, and 112 for Wyre, down from 194.

“It’s quite a big drop and, again, quite importantly, the positivity rate in the over-60s is falling,” he said.

“I think that’s a really good piece of news because we know that age is an independent risk factor for getting really poorly with Covid, so seeing that number coming down should be really positive news for all of us.”

The trust has immunised more than 15,000 patients and staff, while vaccination efforts are also underway at other hubs across the Fylde coast, including at the Winter Gardens in the town centre and GP practices such as the Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre in Bispham.