Local Hospital Trust Reports 'Massive Decline' in Covid-19 Cases

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After 400 deaths it is now thought peak was reached in early April

Ealing Hospital

April 24, 2020

Northwick Park and Ealing hospitals have seen a “massive decline of cases in recent weeks”, a leading consultant has said.

Dr Rachel Tennant from the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), which manages the hospitals, said the service had entered a “lull phase” in coronavirus cases after they believe they reached the peak in early April.

The progress comes as trust boss Chris Bown told the Local Democracy Reporting Service last week that there were early signs of a plateau in patients being treated for the deadly virus.

And LNWH revealed on Thursday, 23 April, that more than 700 patients have successfully recovered from the virus.

According to NHS England data, more than 400 people have died from Covid-19 at the North West London hospital group.

Speaking in a webinar hosted by the Young Harrow Foundation, Dr Tennant said the majority of cases seen at the hospitals recover in seven to eight days, while one in five patients develop the life-threatening condition named Covid-19 pneumonitis.

And at the beginning of March she revealed the hospital trust was experiencing the number of coronavirus cases doubling every two days – rather than every five days as predicted.

“I don’t think anyone expected this,” she added.

“We have also quadrupled the size of our intensive care unit.”

The doctor said while the trust has entered a quiet phase, “we are all ready for more”, urging: “Social distancing is working. Don’t get bored please stick with it, it’s so important it’s the way we’re going to beat it.”

On preparing for a possible end to the lockdown next month, she added: “We’re learning the lessons of what we have done well so far and preparing for whatever next may come.”

Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter