Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré
Good evening. Having finished the States Assembly meeting earlier today, I’ve since visited the Nightingale Hospital site at Millbrook, with the Lieutenant Governor and the Bailiff, to meet the team hard at work on this critical project.
Before I talk more about the work underway here, I want to update you on our daily test results, and the current capacity within the General Hospital.
We have now tested 2,281 samples for COVID-19 and have received 1,973 negative results and 255 positive results.
Of those with positive results, 43% are male and 57% are female. The average age of those who have tested positive is 54.
And we are currently awaiting the results of 48 outstanding tests.
151 Islanders have now fully recovered from Coronavirus, having originally tested positive.
Of those who have recovered, 42% are male and 58% are female. Their average age is 49.
Sadly, I have to confirm that 18 Islanders have now passed away, having tested positive or been suspected of having Coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with all their families and friends.
There are currently 74 Islanders being treated in the General Hospital for a range of medical conditions. Of those, the number of Coronavirus patients remains at 14.
There are 123 beds currently available in the hospital, giving us an occupancy rate of 38%
The Nightingale Hospital, where I am now, has been built as part of the Government’s contingency plans to support our response to Coronavirus.
The increased rates of infection which we expect to see across the Island, are based on modelling of Jersey’s public health statistics, which look at the anticipated number of cases and patients within the next 4 to 6 months.
An increase in cases will put pressure on our Health Services, which have an upper limit to the number of patients who can be treated within our current resources.
The Nightingale Hospital offers the additional capacity we need in that scenario. When and if, the capacity within the General Hospital is reached, the Nightingale Hospital will ensure Islanders continue to receive the essential care they need, in a hospital setting.
I’ve been asked if we will also support Guernsey through the Nightingale Hospital, if they require additional bed capacity when they reach their peak.
I will say that our Health and Community Services Department work closely with colleagues in Guernsey regarding our response to the virus, and we are always happy to work collaboratively with our Island neighbours.
The scale and expertise of the work I have seen this evening is phenomenal. I know that His Excellency and the Bailiff share my utmost respect for all the workers here, and the results they have produced in such a short timeframe
On behalf of all the Island, I want to extend my heartful thanks to every member of the team who has been part of the construction project. The work they are doing will save lives.
Tomorrow I will be visiting the General Hospital to meet the amazing healthcare staff who are leading the work in our Laboratory and Urgent Treatment Centre.
And on Friday afternoon, I will be giving a Press Conference to answer questions from the media. That will take place at 3.30pm and I hope that you are able to tune in via social media or BBC Radio Jersey.
Thank you for listening.
Please continue stay at home and stay safe.
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