Call for caution as lockdown restrictions set to be eased

We have recently heard how nurses at New Cross Hospital are exhausted to the point of crying in staff rooms while dealing with COVID-19 patients. We have all seen stories about how staff have had to be redeployed and trained up in order to help deal with the pandemic and how mentally and physically draining it has been with staff being stretched to their limits. This has obviously had an impact on other areas of the health service as well as waiting times for people to get treatment for other health concerns.

It Is worth keeping that in our minds as we start the process of coming out of lockdown.

We understand that people are excited at the prospect of going back to the pub with their friends, going to watch live sport and entertainment or being able to visit their friends and loved ones in their homes. But we have to remain cautious and we have to be sensible.

Over the coming months, as restrictions are eased, we will all have a part to play to make sure that infection rates do not skyrocket leading to more hospitalisations and deaths.

Tracy Cresswell, Healthwatch Manager said: "We know people have had enough of lockdowns and restrictions, but it is our individual actions that can help prevent us from having to go back into another lockdown.

"We are urging people to follow the rules as we start the process of easing lockdown.

"The single biggest thank you that you could give to NHS and Care staff is to follow the rules, help stop the spread of the virus, reducing the number of people going into hospital with COVID-19.

"While there is hope, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, we must be sensible."

Rose Urkovskis, Chair of Healthwatch Wolverhampton said: "We want to thank all the NHS and Care staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to fight this virus. We would also like to thank the people of Wolverhampton for pulling together in such difficult circumstances, COVID-19 has brought out the best in our communities and shown what we can do in the face of adversity.

"The city's motto is 'Out of darkness cometh light'; each and every one of us has a role to play in making that a reality over the coming months.

"Please follow the rules as we come out of lockdown and when you can make sure you get vaccinated."