HOSPITALS in south Cumbria are caring for more Covid patients now than in the first wave of the pandemic.

The medical director of the Morecambe Bay hospital trust said an increase in cases at the start of the year had led to huge pressures at hospitals in the region.

Dr Shahedal Bari, of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Along with other hospitals up and down the country, we are seeing an increased number of people coming into our hospitals with Covid-19, with more of them needing to be looked after in our intensive care units than in the first wave.

"We continue to work with our colleagues from across the health and social care system to support each other to allow us all to continue to safely care for patients but we need everyone’s help to reduce the spread of this virus. Please stay at home and follow national guidance as it will make a difference if we all play our part.”

Health leaders warned the first week in January was Cumbria’s worst week for new Covid infections with 3,499 across the county, which has brought extraordinary pressure on health and care services like never before.

As well as a tripling of people needing hospital treatment in the last three weeks, the high level of infection is also said to be having an impact on staffing in all health sectors because of people having to self-isolate.

According to NHS England data, 24 per cent of patients at beds at Morecambe Bay hospitals were being treated for coronavirus on January 12.

Anyone who needs medical help for other matters has been urged to reach out despite current pressures.

Dr Lauren Dixon, lead GP for NHS Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “While this is a very busy time for the NHS, I would like to stress that your GP practice is still here to support you, we don’t want serious health conditions going undetected so if you have any concerns, please get in touch."