Staff absences more than TRIPLED at Northampton General Hospital during the peak of the Covid-19 crisis

Staff absences more than TRIPLED at Northampton General Hospital during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 50,000 shifts were lost to combination of some workers self-isolating after positive tests or developing symptoms while others were shielding.

The figure of 48,230 absences between March 20 and August 9 represents two-thirds of all 72,905 shifts lost to staff absences in the same period, highlighting pressures on local health services during the coronavirus crisis.

Matthew Metcalfe, medical director at NGH, said: "We are extremely proud of the way all our staff and volunteers have responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all our staff and volunteers for their ongoing commitment and hard work during this challenging time.

"The support from our local community has been truly overwhelming; each and every act and message of goodwill and kindness we’ve received has meant a great deal and very much appreciated."

Around 200 volunteers including medical students and former doctors returned to work bolstering the beleagured NHS workforce during the crisis.

So far, Covid-19 is believed to have claimed the lives of 311 victims at the hospital — although the last death at the Cliftonville site was recorded more than a month ago on August 2 as infection rates slowed following a peak in April and May.

We revealed yesterday how staff at the Northampton dealt with more than 850 Covid-19 cases during the peak of the pandemic and up to August 9 — including 12 who were under five.

The hospital has responded by launching its annual Best Possible Care Awards — an opportunity for patients, families and carers to salute staff and volunteers who have made a difference the hospital experience, provided the best possible care or have helped to bring improvements to services and the care that patients receive.

Winners are trraditionally announced at an awards evening but this year's event will take place virtually while three new categories have been added including two which recognise the efforts of staff during the COVID pandemic.

Click HEREfor more details on the award categories and to nominate the person or team you that you think has gone above and beyond.