Coventry & Warwickshire COVID-19 Portal

 

LATEST NATIONAL PICTURE 

• As of 9am on 1 April 2020, 152,979 people have been tested, of which 29,474 were confirmed positive.

• As of 5pm on 31 March 2020, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 2,352 have died.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do 

o Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only when you cannot work from home)

o If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

o Wash your hands as soon as you get home

o Do not meet others, even friends or family

o You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms

 

• Business Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 1 April 2020

• The latest health advice is available here

 

LATEST LOCAL PICTURE

The latest figures published by GOV.uk and PHE are: As of 9am on 01 Apr. 2020, there are a total 4,139 cases in the Midlands. In Coventry and Warwickshire this is broken down as follows:

• Coventry: 127

• Warwickshire: 190

 

CORONAVIRUS LOCAL MEDIA HEADLINES

Warwick Hospital confirms its first death from Covid-19 

Leamington Courier, 27/03/2020, p.8, Unattributed 

Warwick Hospital confirmedon at the weekend that a patient has died of Covid-ig, just two days after saying it had its first patient diagnosed with coronavirus. The man who sadly passed away was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions. Director of Nursing, Fiona Burton said: "Sadly we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Warwick Hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died. "The patient, who died on March 21, was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions. "His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult time." The hospital, which is run by the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), had announced on Friday March 20, that it had its first confirmed case of Covid-19.

The number of coronavirus cases in your part of Birmingham and Midlands as death toll soars

Birmingham Mail (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

The number of coronavirus cases in Birmingham has hit 650 as the city remains the most common place for the deadly bug. The Second City has registered hundreds of Covid-19 cases, with Staffordshire second in the Midlands. Public Health England has confirmed 281 cases of the bug in Staffs, with over 200 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire too.

Coronavirus cases in Birmingham and the Midlands, mapped

The Daily Telegraph Online, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

In a bid to free up resources, the Accident and Emergency department at Coventry's University Hospital is no longer treating minor injuries or illness for adults, while Birmingham's NEC is preparing in case it is required to double as a field hospital. Elsewhere, Birmingham Airport could serve as a mortuary if the need for the facility arose. Sandwell Council said it was working "with and on behalf of" local authorities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire "on mortuary provision across the region".

Medical students volunteer to support the NHS across Warwickshire in the fight against Covid-19

Kenilworth Weekly News (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

120 final year students from Warwick Medical School at The University of Warwick will initially be employed by the NHS in the area to deliver vital support to existing medical and other clinical staff to help with the response to Covid-19. 60 students will be working at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and 30 each at Warwick Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.

Technology opens new ways for MPs to make their point

Birmingham Post, 02/04/2020, p.21, Jonathan Walker 

In Birmingham, the city's ten MPs have formed a group they call Radar, which is helping co-ordinate the response to the coronavirus crisis and ensure the problems faced by the city are raised with central government. The group holds a weekly conference call on Wednesdays with all the city's MPs and the leader of the city council, Ian Ward. On Fridays there is a second conference call, this time involving the NHS. This includes Jacqui Smith, chair of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the body responsible for many of the hospitals across Birmingham and Solihull, and Dr David Rosser, the trust's chief executive.

Coventry and Warwickshire companies queue-up in response to ventilator call

Coventry Telegraph (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Advanced engineering firms in Coventry and Warwickshire are queuing-up to offer their services to help meet the demand for ventilators in the fight against coronavirus. Craig Humphrey, managing director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said the response to the appeal from businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire had been staggering. He added: "We are co-ordinating this with manufacturers' organisation Make UK to pass on this vital information to the Government. We also put out a plea on behalf of the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in Walsgrave to provide goggles and protective screens on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and we received over 1,500 responses in 24 hours which is amazing."

Here's what Birmingham's MPs are doing to help the city get through the coronavirus crisis

Birmingham Mail (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

In Birmingham, the city's 10 MPs have formed a group they call Radar, which is helping co-ordinate the response to the coronavirus crisis and ensure the problems faced by the city are raised with central government. The group holds a weekly conference call on Wednesdays with all the city's MPs and the leader of the city council, Ian Ward. On Fridays there is a second conference call, this time involving the NHS. This includes Jacqui Smith, chair of University Hospitals Birmingham, the body responsible for many of the hospitals across Birmingham and Solihull, and Dr David Rosser, the Trust's chief executive. 

Medical students volunteer to support the NHS across Warwickshire in the fight against Cov...

Leamington Spa Courier (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

120 final year students from Warwick Medical School at The University of Warwick will initially be employed by the NHS in the area to deliver vital support to existing medical and other clinical staff to help with the response to Covid-19. 60 students will be working at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and 30 each at Warwick Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton. 

''Stockport's own NHS Nightingale'': New care home joins fight against coronavirus pandemic

ManchesterEveningNews (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Andrea Green, accountable officer for NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group said: "The decision to open Bramhall Manor will ensure we are able to continue to provide high quality care for patients, during one of the most challenging times the NHS and Social Care has ever faced. I want to pay tribute to the huge local effort in responding to the Coronavirus pandemic and we are all immensely proud of the work of frontline and support staff, and local volunteers, which enables us to continue providing care across Stockport communities."

 

CORONAVIRUS LOCAL MEDIA BROADCAST

Coronavirus pandemic

BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire, Breakfast, 01/04/2020, 08:03:04, 5:0

Warwick medical students join fight against coronavirus. 120 final-year medical students from the University of Warwick have volunteered to support the NHS locally to help the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus pandemic

BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire, Breakfast, 01/04/2020, 07:04:20, 5:0

Warwick medical students join fight against coronavirus. 120 final-year medical students from the University of Warwick have volunteered to support the NHS locally to help the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

CORONAVIRUS NATIONAL MEDIA HEADLINES

Questions without answers 

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.1, Laura Donnelly; Gordon Rayner; Hayley Dixon; Bill 

Following days of increasing concerns over the growing coronavirus testing crisis, it is still unclear when NHS workers are to be tested, when mass testing for the population is to be rolled out or even whether the Government has a plan to end the nation's quarantine. There is reported to be frustration within government over Public Health England, which is responsible for testing and is not thought to be rising to the challenge. Ministers are expected to bring in the private sector and universities in the next few days. It is also noted that yesterday, the Army was deployed to help the NHS implement the rollout of tests to doctors and nurses, with hospital chief executives told they would be held "personally responsible" if any tests went unused. It follows warnings that some NHS trusts were only testing three workers a day.

Questions without answers

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.1, Laura Donnelly, Gordon Rayner, Hayley Dixon, Bill 

How Germany got down to testing while Britain failed to take action

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.2, Justin Huggler 

Let's stop dithering and fight this virus

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.17, Unattributed 

Virus testing plans in chaos

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.1, Chris Smyth; Billy Kenber; francis Elliott 

Jobless claims rocket by 1m as virus delivers shock to economy

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.1, Chris Giles 

Johnson under fire for slow start in ramping up tests to end lockdown

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.3, Ft Reporters 

Ministers pressed on safety of NHS staff

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.3, Laura Hughes 

Plaudits alone will not help NHS beat Covid-19

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.20, Unattributed 

125,000 NHS staff isolating. Still just 2,000 tested. Why?

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.1, Andrew Woodcock 

NHS frontline staff let down on testing

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

Testing shortfall puts pressure on No 10 to deliver

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.4, Richard Vaughan; Tom Bawden 

Up to 85% of isolating NHS staff 'could be back at work'

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.4, Rob Merrick; Andrew Woodcock 

Are enough people being tested for coronavirus?

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.5, Harry Cockburn 

Covid death rates will prove the UK is as unequal as ever

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.35, Unattributed 

Only 2,000 out of 125,000 frontline NHS staff who are isolating have been tested

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.3, Andrew Woodcock 

Just 2,000 key NHS staff tested for Covid-19

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Ian Sample; Rowena Mason 

Just 2,000 frontline NHS staff out of half a million have been tested

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Ian Sample; Rowena Mason 

Needless political spin risks corroding trust in No 10 crisis strategy

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.2, Unattributed 

550,000 NHS staff, only 2,000 tested

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.1, Sophie Borland; Jason Groves 

Testing is the only way to end this purgatory. The PM must now get a grip

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.16, Unattributed 

Staggering incompetence of our public health fatcats 

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.6, Guy Adams 

Appoint a minister for testing now, Boris - or history will not be kind

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.19, Stephen Glover 

Shambles

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.1, Martin Bagot 

Q and A

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.5, Unattributed 

FAILING THE TEST

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.4, Martin Bagot; ben Glaze; Nick Sommerlad 

FAILING THE TEST

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.4, Chloe Kerr; matt Dathan; kate Ferguson; nick Mcdermo 

NHS staff come first

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.8, Unattributed 

NOW GET A BLEEDIN' GRIP, BOZO

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.1, James Caven 

NOW GET A BLEEDIN' grip, bozo BORIS Johnson's Government has been blasted as just 2,000 out of 500,000 hero health workers who are fighting on the frontline against Covid-19 have so far been tested for the killer bug. Coronavirus latest: P4,5,6&7 ¦ by JAM

Daily Star (Lancs), 02/04/2020, p.1, James Caven 

It's hell for our heroes!

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.4, James Caven 

RIDICULOUS

Metro, 02/04/2020, p.1, Aidan Radnedge 

Medical staff turned back at drive-throughs

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.5, Emma Yeomans 

A drive-through coronavirus test site in the car park for Chessington World of Adventures, which has been set aside for NHS staff, was almost empty yesterday, as NHS staff are finding it too difficult to get to. However, at a similar testing centre in the car park of Ikea, at Wembley, roads were gridlocked before the 10am opening and many early arrivals were turned away by NHS security guards because their car registrations were not on a list of about 200 authorised vehicles. Ikea said it was reviewing its other sites to see if more could be set up. It is noted that last week, Sir Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, promised a "ramping up" of testing for NHS staff . 

NHS workers refused swabs at newly open test centres

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.2, Henry Bodkin; Miranda Levy 

Shock as the UK death toll rockets by 563

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.8, Eleanor Hayward 

The coronavirus death toll soared by 563 yesterday to 2,352 as the Government warned it is 'the biggest threat our country has faced in decades'. Professor Yvonne Doyle, of Public Health England, said the UK was not in as 'severe' a position as Spain, the US or Italy, but added: 'We have now seen three days of increases of hospital admissions in a row. We need to protect the NHS, and the best way to do that is to stay at home.' Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, has warned that the country is 'very much still in the woods' and he expects death rates and hospital admissions to keep increasing.

Darkest day as the UK death toll rises to 2,352

Daily Express, 02/04/2020, p.6, Hanna Geissler 

Hospitals' oxygen at risk of failure as cases surge, NHS England warns

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.4, Denis Campbell 

NHS bosses have warned all NHS trusts in England to limit the number of people they put on mechanical ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, after a London teaching hospital almost ran out of oxygen for its Covid-19 patients last weekend because it was treating so many people with the disease who needed help to breathe. NHS England was so concerned by the incident that it told hospital bosses in a letter on Monday that the risk constituted a "critical safety concern" which could have major consequences for all patients relying on oxygen to stay alive. 

Protection 'racket' as carers pay 1,000% more for masks

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.8, Andrew Ellson 

Care homes and social care providers have warned that some suppliers of face masks, aprons, gloves and antibacterial hand gels have taken advantage of the coronavirus crisis to raise their prices by more than 1,000 per cent. One social care provider claimed that it was being charged as much as £8 for a box of 100 non-latex gloves that used to cost £2, and that one supplier had tried to charge £179 for five litres of hand gel that used to cost £5. Katrin Green, who runs a domiciliary care agency that supports 350 vulnerable people in Torbay, said: "We are being ripped off. It's daylight robbery...These suppliers want big orders. The NHS is ordering millions and we only need thousands. I don't think they want the extra delivery costs or admin burden of smaller orders." 

Payouts for families of fatally infected NHS staff

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.5, Unattributed 

Ministers are finalising a scheme under which families of NHS staff who die because of coronavirus will be offered compensation. To date, four NHS staff have died from the virus, and the scheme is expected to cover any NHS worker who succumbs to the disease.

Virus patients more likely to die may have ventilators taken away

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Denis Campbell; Alexandra Topping; Caelainn Barr 

The British Medical Association (BMA) has set out guidelines to ration care if the NHS becomes overwhelmed with new cases as the coronavirus outbreak peaks. Under the proposals, hospitals would impose "severe" limits on who is put on a ventilator, and large numbers of patients could be denied care, with those facing a poor prognosis losing the potentially life-saving equipment even if their condition is improving. The BMA guidelines came as Public Health England (PHE) finalises an updated document setting out what protective kit should be worn in different medical settings, that is intended to dispel the confusion, alarm and fear among frontline NHS staff. The document, due out today, is reported to be a partial revision of guidance that led to PHE facing a barrage of criticism from groups representing doctors, nurses, midwives and other NHS staff.

Ventilator rationing blueprint revealed

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Denis Campbell; Alexandra Topping; Caelainn Barr 

Covid-19 patients could have treatment withdrawn to save others

ITV.com (Web), 02/04/2020, Unattributed 

Firm running new hospital warns staff of shortages

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.5, David Parsley; Lawrie Holmes 

Mitie, the firm providing and maintaining heating, cooling, lighting and water at NHS' giant Nightingale Hospital, has warned that it is short of protective equipment and told its staff it is in "survival mode" as its revenue is "drying up". Chief executive Phil Bentley made the shocking revelations in an email sent to staff on Monday evening.

Rogue firms targeting NHS staff with tax dodge scams

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.71, James Salmon 

HM Revenue & Customs has warned that NHS workers are being targeted by rogue firms promoting aggressive tax avoidance schemes, adding that they will be hit with hefty penalties for dodging tax if they fall into such traps. An HMRC spokesman said: 'It is shocking that unscrupulous promoters of tax avoidance schemes are targeting returning NHS workers during this difficult time. We urge people to be very careful to not inadvertently sign up to such arrangements.' 

NHS England confirms its guidance on parental visits

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.10, Shaun Lintern 

NHS England has confirmed that hospitals should allow parents to be with children who are being treated for the coronavirus, after the family of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab - who died at King's College Hospital in south London in the early hours of Monday - said that he had died alone because of the risk of infection. The end-of-life charity Marie Curie has also called on doctors to allow families to be with their loved ones, describing it as an "important part of their duty of care".

Doctor who came out of retirement is killed by coronavirus

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.7, Sally Guyoncourt 

Dr Alfa Saadu, a retired hospital doctor who returned to work to assist the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, died on Tuesday morning after contracting Covid-19 about two weeks ago. Lance McCarthy, the chief executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: "Alfa was well known at the trust for his passion for ensuring our patients received highquality care. He was a committed member of the team and is remembered fondly by many."

NHS toll Retired doctor, 68, is latest to die from virus

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.4, Matthew Weaver 

Dad of seven went 'beyond the call of duty... but he had no protection'

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.6, Amy-Clare Martin 

It is alleged that NHS nurse Thomas Harvey died in self-isolation after treating a suspected Covid-19 patient without any protective equipment at Goodmayes Hospital, in Ilford, East London. North East London NHS Foundation Trust insisted the hospital has been following national PPE guidance.

''My dad was let down'': Father-of-seven died after treating patient with coronavirus

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Two frontline medics killed by virus they were fighting

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.8, Nick Mcdermott; chris Pollard; shaun Wooller 

Reinvented iron lung could help ventilator shortage

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.9, Shaun Lintern 

A taskforce of doctors, engineers and scientists has developed and tested a modern version of "iron lung" machines, called an exovent, which could provide an answer to the health service's shortage of ventilators during the coronavirus outbreak. The Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge is one of three NHS hospitals that have agreed to road test six of the machine in coming days, and the taskforce has been supported by Professor Sir John Burn, chairman of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust and a former member of NHS England's board.

Prince Charles hails 'emergency service' efforts of the nation's shelf-stackers

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.7, Hannah Furness 

The Prince of Wales has praised supermarket shelf-stackers as Britain's newest "emergency service", as he lauded employees "toiling as hard as they can" to keep the nation running during the coronavirus pandemic. The Prince also paid tribute to the "utter, selfless devotion to duty" of NHS staff, volunteers and key workers around the country, he spoke of the "strange, frustrating and often distressing" experience of self-isolation.

Charles hails 'remarkable NHS'

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.14, Unattributed 

None of us can say when this will end, but end it will

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.8, Russell Myers 

CLAP OF HONOUR

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.1, Emma Pietras 

The Sun is urging its readers to take part in the "Clap For Our Carers" event every Thursday, to applaud NHS staff who are risking their lives on the frontline of the coronavirus epidemic. England's Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May said: "Knowing the public are right behind them will help to sustain nurses, doctors, therapists and the countless others who are giving their all to help patients." 

THURSDAY AT 8..MAKE IT A DATE!

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.2, Emma Pietras; mike Ridley; kate Jackson 

NHS to profit from virtual Grand National

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.11, Marcus Armytage 

There will be a virtual Grand National on Saturday, with all bookmaker profits going to National Health Service charities.

NHS to profit from virtual Grand National

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.11, Marcus Armytage 

Virtual Grand National to go ahead

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.62, Unattributed 

Aintree has gone viral

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.6, Jack Andrews 

National bets to help NHS from the horse's mouth

Metro, 02/04/2020, p.32, Unattributed 

Sturgeon abandons 'sinister' plan to scrap juries after backlash

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.9, Izzy Lyons; Simon Johnson 

Boots UK is donating more than 200k personal care products including hand cream, shower gel and toothpaste to NHS workers and vulnerable people to help them manage during the coronavirus pandemic.

Midwives Call for hotels to be used as pop-up birth centres

The Guardian (North), 02/04/2020, p.12, Hannah Summers 

The UK-based Midwifery Unit Network (MUN) has said that hotels should be used as "pop-up" birth centres with retired and student midwives drafted into support NHS staff, in an effort to help expectant mothers stay away from hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Spire given debt boost after it supports NHS

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.45, Alex Ralph 

Spire Healthcare has agreed a covenant waiver on its debts and has cancelled its dividend after it made its hospitals available to the NHS during the coronavirus crisis. Analysts at Numis, Spire's house broker, said that the group "is likely to be well placed, once this has passed, to respond to likely pentup demand arising from a period of elective suspension across both the NHS and private sector".

Euro 2020 volunteers switch to NHS

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.11, Lucy Fisher; charlotte Wace 

Volunteers due to assist the Euro 2020 football tournament this summer have been drafted into the new NHS Nightingale field hospital for coronavirus patients in east London.

Joe's videos net NHS £80k

Daily Express, 02/04/2020, p.10, Tom Bryant 

Fitness coach Joe Wicks is donating the £80,000 in advertising he has raised from his daily online PE lessons to the NHS. Shotgun singer George Ezra has also waived any fee for the use of his music in Joe's videos.

Joe's workout cash for NHS

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.7, Unattributed 

MG HELPS OUT NHS MG [...]

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.44, Colin Goodwin 

It is reported that MG is supplying 100 of its ZS EV electric crossovers to NHS agencies free of charge for up to six months to help in combating coronavirus.

AA's offer to NHS staff

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.71, Unattributed 

The AA is launching a free breakdown service for 1.5m NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis. AA chief executive Simon Breakwell said the idea had come from 'numerous suggestions from our people indicating that the NHS are there for us, so we want to be there for them'.

AA offers free breakdown assistance for NHS workers

ITV.com (Web), 02/04/2020, Unattributed 

The irony of coronavirus

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.6, Sean O'grady 

Comment: Sean O'Grady writes that while more and more pressing questions about NHS preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic are being asked, the effective shut down of parliament has meant that "there are fewer formal opportunities for MPs and peers to put them directly to ministers".

No one's looking at you any more - celebrities are in a corona crisis

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.4, Polly Vernon 

Polly Vernon praises some celebrities who have tried to help during the coronavirus outbreak, such as actor James McAvoy, who has denoted £275,000 to a PPE crowdfunding appeal and applied to join the NHS volunteer scheme, but admonishes others who have tried to use the crisis to attract attention to themselves.

Even I have struggled with self-isolation

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.16, Paul Cosford 

Professor Paul Cosford, emeritus medical director at Public Health England, writes about his struggle to self-isolate being one of the people classed as "at risk" of catching the coronavirus.

Like so many medics I'm stuck at home with just a cough. This is madness

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.5, Max Pemberton 

Comment: Dr Max Pemberton writes about his frustration at the slowness of the government's coronavirus testing of NHS workers at a time when one in four NHS doctors is currently sitting at home, unable to work because they or someone they're living with is displaying symptoms of coronavirus., especially when NHS Providers claimed this week that as many as 85 per cent of the staff self-isolating at home may not have the virus. 

Globalisation has passed its peak

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.70, Ruth Sunderland 

An interview with Christopher Nieper, in which he comments about the current coronavirus crisis: 'Never again as a country should we leave ourselves so exposed, with the NHS desperate for scrubs and gowns the country can't supply, and it is the same with other things, such as respirators. We are moving into a new age of localisation, with community at its heart.' 

Our great talent for invention will lead us out of darkness

Daily Express, 02/04/2020, p.12, Leo Mckinstry 

Columnist Leo McKinstry writes that "nothing better exemplifies the country's selfless spirit than the willingness of more than 750,000 people to sign up as NHS volunteers".

Who bags an Oscar?

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.54, Unattributed 

The Sun's Oscar Paul nominates people who have gone above and beyond in March to help those in need during the coronavirus outbreak for his own Academy Awards. Among the nominees are Crystal Palace player Wilfried Zaha, who offered rent-free accommodation at 50 properties for NHS staff who cannot get home after shifts, and pundit Gary Neville, who allowed NHS staff free access to the rooms to sleep in amid the pandemic.

Kindness leads to contentment

Metro, 02/04/2020, p.23, Susan Griffin 

Comment: following the success of the nationwide round of applause for NHS workers last wek, Susan Griffin recommends that readers offer kindness and be generous to others, quoting Dr Dimitrios Paschos at Re:Cognition Health, who says: 'Kindness promotes gratitude, empathy and compassion and leads to contentment.'

Stop driving for exercise

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.47, Unattributed 

Letter: "Covid-19 has shone a bright light on the incredible work of our NHS - and now we're seeing just how our troops are stepping up to the mark. The construction of the Nightingale Hospital in East London has been completed after those brave lads worked around the clock. It is heartwarming."

Claridge's opens its doors to NHS heroes with beds and dinner

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

Claridge's hotel in Mayfair is transforming itself into a five-star refuge for dozens of London NHS workers who cannot live at home during the Covid-19 crisis. Paddy McKillen, co-owner of the Maybourne Group, which runs Claridge's, said: "Just as it has in the past world wars, Claridge's has a duty to step up and support the people of London. Teams from all our hotels have volunteered to help and support the dedicated NHS workers at this critical time. We are forever in their debt."

LONDON'S 'HOUR OF NEED' AS TEST ROW GROWS

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

The NHS in London is reported to have reached its "hour of need", with beds and staffing under pressure amid a growing row over the failure to introduce mass testing for coronavirus. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, issued an appeal to businesses and organisations across the capital to lend the hard-pressed NHS workforce their vehicles, hotel rooms and any spare medical facilities. He has warned that extra capacity is needed within 48 hours to relive the strain on hospitals. Vital extra hospital beds are due to arrive when the new NHS Nightingale hospital, built at lightning speed at the EXCEL centre in Docklands, opens its doors to patients "by the end of the week".

TRAINEE STAFF ON NHS FRONT LINE

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

A photograph of Megan Hollands, one of 300 UCL trainees who graduated today are being deployed on the front line by the NHS in the fight against coronavirus at the Royal Free Hospital.

It's a 'baptism of fire' as medical students are fast-tracked to front line

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.3, Unattributed 

Over 300 final-year students at UCL formally graduated today, and many spoke of a "baptism of fire" as they were fast-tracked onto the front line of the London battle against coronavirus. The news came as new concerns emerged about the accuracy of NHS data on the number of Covid-19 deaths. The Whittington hospital, in Archway, has yet to feature in NHS England's daily statistics but has recorded 20 patient deaths, it confirmed today.

Tottenham offer stadium for use as a hospital

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.30, Unattributed 

London mayor Sadiq Khan has written to the capital's Premier League and Championship clubs to ask for access to medical staff, stadium facilities and accommodation for NHS staff during football's shutdown. Tottenham has offered its ground to the NHS and talks are ongoing how best to use the state-of-the-art facility, which officially opened a year ago on Friday. The possibility of using the stadium for drive-through coronavirus testing has also been discussed.

'He was a bubble of life': family's heartbreak at death of boy, 13

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.4, Unattributed 

Health care assistant Thomas Harvey, who "never took a sick day", is feared to be the latest NHS worker to die after contracting coronavirus. Professor Oliver Shanley, chief executive of North East London NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Thomas was a longstanding dedicated member of our intermediate care team. This is a huge loss to both NELFT and the wider NHS." 

Chemicals body disputes Gove claim of lack of vital test reagents

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.26, Michael Bow 

Although Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove yesterday said the Government wanted to ramp up Covid-19 testing, but obtaining certain chemical reagents was a "critical constraint, a spokesman for the Chemical Industries Association, which represents dozens of top chemicals companies, said reagents were flowing to the NHS. 

Loss of smell and taste could be strongest symptom of coronavirus, study says

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Almost 60% of people who tested positive for coronavirus reported loss of smell and taste, compared with 18% of those who tested negative, analysis of the data showed. Public Health England research say 'there is a range of symptoms" but do not specify a loss of smell. On the question of symptoms, NHS England's National Medical Director Steve Powis said: "The two commonest are by far cough and a fever and that is exactly why they are the two symptoms that we are if they get those symptoms." 

Coronavirus: Government under pressure to ramp up mass NHS staff testing

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

The Government is coming under increasing pressure to ramp up tests as healthcare leaders warned there is "no immediate prospect" of mass NHS staff testing. 

Wainhouse Tower in Halifax lights up blue to thank NHS staff and other key workers in the coronavirus crisis

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A nightly tribute will be paid to NHS and other key workers in Calderdale when a landmark will be lit up in blue as a signal of thanks for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Positive stories raising a smile amid the coronavirus lockdown

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Risk Astley has announced he will be holding a free concert to say thank you for NHS frontline staff, care workers and emergency service staff. 

ITV Wales Weather Presenter Kelsey Redmore shares her experience of living in quarantine with coronavirus symptoms

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

ITV Wales Weather Presenter Kelsey Redmore writes about her experience of being in quarantine with coronavirus symptoms. She notes: "I'm yet to get tested, but for now, I'm just taking things easy and self-isolating as much as I can and following the government and NHS guidelines."

Several more UK sites being converted into temporary coronavirus field hospitals

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Several temporary coronavirus field hospitals are being set up right across the UK, as the NHS aims to boost its bed capacity to cope with the growing coronavirus crisis. Work is already underway at sites in Wales, Cumbria, Scotland and the Midlands, while several sites in Northern Ireland are being considered.

Trials of a drug that could help treat coronavirus are to take place at NHS centres in the North West

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Patients at five NHS centres in the North West are to take part in trials of a drugs that could help treat coronavirus. Manufactured by pharmaceutical company Gilead, the drug Remdesivir is one of many being tested across the world as a treatment for Covid-19.

Drug that could potentially help treat coronavirus is to be trialled at hospitals in Sheffield

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Coronavirus latest: 19 more deaths in the Border region

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Five patients died in hospitals run by the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation trust.

Southend Hospital staff warn of need to cut services due to limited protective gear

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Staff at Southend Hospital said they're concerned about the rationing of personal protective equipment (PPE). In a statement sent to ITV Anglia, bosses at Southend Hospital said they are committed to keeping their staff safe. We are fully complying with the Public Health England guidance on the use of Personal Protective Equipment, which has been developed by expert clinicians and is being followed by the whole of the NHS.

Clubs come together with communities during coronavirus outbreak

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Football clubs across the Midlands have been reaching out to their communities and spreading the word of Government safety guidelines in a show of support for one another during the coronavirus outbreak.

Joe Wicks reveals he's raised $100,000 for the NHS in just one week

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Joe Wicks has raised nearly $100,000 for the NHS from his at-home PE lessons in just a single week. Wicks, in his new found role as the nation's PE teacher, has been putting daily exercise classes on Youtube for people to keep fit and healthy during the coronavirus lockdown. 

RAF Leeming helicopters deployed to support the NHS in fight against COVID-19

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Military helicopters are being deployed across the country to support the NHS in the fight against Covid-19, the Government has announced. 

Region rallies to provide NHS with life-saving equipment

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A company in Peterborough which makes medical gloves is now shipping its entire stock of more than 88 million to the NHS. Iain Crawford, Group Managing Director, Supermax Healthcare: "Tough decision for us because we have almost 700 customers of which the NHS is only one, so any decision we made with this stock was going to impact everybody. But in other ways it was the easiest decision we ever made because our frontline medical staff need our support and help now more than ever and this was just the only way we felt that we could do it."

Burton Albion FC offer space for NHS to support expectant and new mums

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Burton Albion FC are making one of the suites at the Pirelli Stadium available for midwives at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) to offer expectant and new mums care closer to their homes. The club staff are now working remotely from home during the COVID-19 outbreak and have donated the facility to the UHDB Trust until the foreseeable future.

Teddy bear maker recently affected by flooding fundraises for NHS during coronavirus outbreak

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Britain's oldest remaining teddy bear maker is supporting the NHS' fight against the coronavirus by relaunching a specially-made fundraising bear. Merrythought, the bear-maker, is based in Ironbridge. It had only recently been affected by flooding from the River Severn.

Carlisle landmark lights up blue in appreciation for the NHS

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A landmark in Carlisle will be illuminated each night in recognition of the hard work of NHS and key workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Carlisle's citadel will be lit up in NHS blue as a signal of thanks.

Sheffield bike shop offering free services and essentials for all NHS staff

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A team of 'two and a half' bike mechanics are keeping their 75-year-old shop open to help keep their community safely moving during the coronavirus crisis. They are also offering free bike services for all NHS staff and have teamed up with their suppliers to provide a free helmet, set of bike lights and high visibility jackets too. 

Leeds Beckett University joining forces with NHS to train up to 1,000 new staff

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Leeds Beckett University is opening up city centre sites the Rose Bowl and Portland buildings to the NHS to offer teaching spaces, catering facilities and meeting rooms. 

Hospital Trusts merge to form Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Bedford Hospital NHS Trust and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have merged to form a brand new Trust. The new Trust said that providing consistent leadership within an integrated Trust is essential as the NHS deals with COVID-19.

Rutland teacher makes masks for NHS staff

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A design and technology teacher from Rutland has been making face shields to help protect NHS workers from coronavirus.

Luton man jailed for spitting at two NHS workers in ''disgusting and unprovoked attack''

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A man from Luton has been handed a nine-week prison sentence for spitting at two NHS workers in the town. David Carter, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: "It seems inconceivable that our staff would be abused in this way at this time and we would like to thank Bedfordshire Police for following up the incident in the way they have."

Airbus to bring 400,000 face masks destined for NHS to Flintshire

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

More than 400,000 surgical masks destined for the NHS in the UK have been loaded on to trucks in France to arrive in north Wales. The cargo is part of a total of six million surgical masks that have already been brought to Europe from China using Airbus aircraft.

Former international javelin star James Campbell to run marathon in Cheltenham back garden to raise funds for NHS

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A former international athlete from Gloucestershire will spend his birthday running a marathon - adhering to social distancing by doing it in his back garden. He has set up a fundraising page to make sure his efforts would at least benefit a good cause - setting a target of £10,000 for the NHS.

ACTIONS TAKEN 

• Reviewing new assets published by PHE on campaign resources website and how we need to use them. 

• Every Mind Matters quiz added link to websites and social media

• Adding GOV UK summary of advice table to websites

• Emailed NHSE team for advice / update on pharmacy opening hours over Easter bank holidays, should have an update later this week.

• Monitoring latest updates from Public Health England and GOV.UK 

• Social media monitoring for local areas, local hospitals and retweeting PHE, NHS messages on Coronavirus advice is ongoing 

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

• None 

 

STATEMENTS ISSUED

• None

 

Engagement, Communications and Marketing Team

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit

Coronavirus briefing for Coventry and Warwickshire on Thursday 02 April 2020

 

LATEST NATIONAL PICTURE 

• As of 9am on 1 April 2020, 152,979 people have been tested, of which 29,474 were confirmed positive.

• As of 5pm on 31 March 2020, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 2,352 have died.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do 

o Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only when you cannot work from home)

o If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

o Wash your hands as soon as you get home

o Do not meet others, even friends or family

o You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms

 

• Business Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 1 April 2020

• The latest health advice is available here

 

LATEST LOCAL PICTURE

The latest figures published by GOV.uk and PHE are: As of 9am on 01 Apr. 2020, there are a total 4,139 cases in the Midlands. In Coventry and Warwickshire this is broken down as follows:

• Coventry: 127

• Warwickshire: 190

 

CORONAVIRUS LOCAL MEDIA HEADLINES

Warwick Hospital confirms its first death from Covid-19 

Leamington Courier, 27/03/2020, p.8, Unattributed 

Warwick Hospital confirmedon at the weekend that a patient has died of Covid-ig, just two days after saying it had its first patient diagnosed with coronavirus. The man who sadly passed away was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions. Director of Nursing, Fiona Burton said: "Sadly we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Warwick Hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died. "The patient, who died on March 21, was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions. "His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult time." The hospital, which is run by the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), had announced on Friday March 20, that it had its first confirmed case of Covid-19.

The number of coronavirus cases in your part of Birmingham and Midlands as death toll soars

Birmingham Mail (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

The number of coronavirus cases in Birmingham has hit 650 as the city remains the most common place for the deadly bug. The Second City has registered hundreds of Covid-19 cases, with Staffordshire second in the Midlands. Public Health England has confirmed 281 cases of the bug in Staffs, with over 200 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire too.

Coronavirus cases in Birmingham and the Midlands, mapped

The Daily Telegraph Online, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

In a bid to free up resources, the Accident and Emergency department at Coventry's University Hospital is no longer treating minor injuries or illness for adults, while Birmingham's NEC is preparing in case it is required to double as a field hospital. Elsewhere, Birmingham Airport could serve as a mortuary if the need for the facility arose. Sandwell Council said it was working "with and on behalf of" local authorities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire "on mortuary provision across the region".

Medical students volunteer to support the NHS across Warwickshire in the fight against Covid-19

Kenilworth Weekly News (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

120 final year students from Warwick Medical School at The University of Warwick will initially be employed by the NHS in the area to deliver vital support to existing medical and other clinical staff to help with the response to Covid-19. 60 students will be working at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and 30 each at Warwick Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.

Technology opens new ways for MPs to make their point

Birmingham Post, 02/04/2020, p.21, Jonathan Walker 

In Birmingham, the city's ten MPs have formed a group they call Radar, which is helping co-ordinate the response to the coronavirus crisis and ensure the problems faced by the city are raised with central government. The group holds a weekly conference call on Wednesdays with all the city's MPs and the leader of the city council, Ian Ward. On Fridays there is a second conference call, this time involving the NHS. This includes Jacqui Smith, chair of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the body responsible for many of the hospitals across Birmingham and Solihull, and Dr David Rosser, the trust's chief executive.

Coventry and Warwickshire companies queue-up in response to ventilator call

Coventry Telegraph (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Advanced engineering firms in Coventry and Warwickshire are queuing-up to offer their services to help meet the demand for ventilators in the fight against coronavirus. Craig Humphrey, managing director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said the response to the appeal from businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire had been staggering. He added: "We are co-ordinating this with manufacturers' organisation Make UK to pass on this vital information to the Government. We also put out a plea on behalf of the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in Walsgrave to provide goggles and protective screens on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and we received over 1,500 responses in 24 hours which is amazing."

Here's what Birmingham's MPs are doing to help the city get through the coronavirus crisis

Birmingham Mail (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

In Birmingham, the city's 10 MPs have formed a group they call Radar, which is helping co-ordinate the response to the coronavirus crisis and ensure the problems faced by the city are raised with central government. The group holds a weekly conference call on Wednesdays with all the city's MPs and the leader of the city council, Ian Ward. On Fridays there is a second conference call, this time involving the NHS. This includes Jacqui Smith, chair of University Hospitals Birmingham, the body responsible for many of the hospitals across Birmingham and Solihull, and Dr David Rosser, the Trust's chief executive. 

Medical students volunteer to support the NHS across Warwickshire in the fight against Cov...

Leamington Spa Courier (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

120 final year students from Warwick Medical School at The University of Warwick will initially be employed by the NHS in the area to deliver vital support to existing medical and other clinical staff to help with the response to Covid-19. 60 students will be working at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and 30 each at Warwick Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton. 

''Stockport's own NHS Nightingale'': New care home joins fight against coronavirus pandemic

ManchesterEveningNews (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Andrea Green, accountable officer for NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group said: "The decision to open Bramhall Manor will ensure we are able to continue to provide high quality care for patients, during one of the most challenging times the NHS and Social Care has ever faced. I want to pay tribute to the huge local effort in responding to the Coronavirus pandemic and we are all immensely proud of the work of frontline and support staff, and local volunteers, which enables us to continue providing care across Stockport communities."

 

CORONAVIRUS LOCAL MEDIA BROADCAST

Coronavirus pandemic

BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire, Breakfast, 01/04/2020, 08:03:04, 5:0

Warwick medical students join fight against coronavirus. 120 final-year medical students from the University of Warwick have volunteered to support the NHS locally to help the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus pandemic

BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire, Breakfast, 01/04/2020, 07:04:20, 5:0

Warwick medical students join fight against coronavirus. 120 final-year medical students from the University of Warwick have volunteered to support the NHS locally to help the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

CORONAVIRUS NATIONAL MEDIA HEADLINES

Questions without answers 

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.1, Laura Donnelly; Gordon Rayner; Hayley Dixon; Bill 

Following days of increasing concerns over the growing coronavirus testing crisis, it is still unclear when NHS workers are to be tested, when mass testing for the population is to be rolled out or even whether the Government has a plan to end the nation's quarantine. There is reported to be frustration within government over Public Health England, which is responsible for testing and is not thought to be rising to the challenge. Ministers are expected to bring in the private sector and universities in the next few days. It is also noted that yesterday, the Army was deployed to help the NHS implement the rollout of tests to doctors and nurses, with hospital chief executives told they would be held "personally responsible" if any tests went unused. It follows warnings that some NHS trusts were only testing three workers a day.

Questions without answers

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.1, Laura Donnelly, Gordon Rayner, Hayley Dixon, Bill 

How Germany got down to testing while Britain failed to take action

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.2, Justin Huggler 

Let's stop dithering and fight this virus

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.17, Unattributed 

Virus testing plans in chaos

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.1, Chris Smyth; Billy Kenber; francis Elliott 

Jobless claims rocket by 1m as virus delivers shock to economy

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.1, Chris Giles 

Johnson under fire for slow start in ramping up tests to end lockdown

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.3, Ft Reporters 

Ministers pressed on safety of NHS staff

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.3, Laura Hughes 

Plaudits alone will not help NHS beat Covid-19

Financial Times, 02/04/2020, p.20, Unattributed 

125,000 NHS staff isolating. Still just 2,000 tested. Why?

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.1, Andrew Woodcock 

NHS frontline staff let down on testing

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

Testing shortfall puts pressure on No 10 to deliver

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.4, Richard Vaughan; Tom Bawden 

Up to 85% of isolating NHS staff 'could be back at work'

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.4, Rob Merrick; Andrew Woodcock 

Are enough people being tested for coronavirus?

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.5, Harry Cockburn 

Covid death rates will prove the UK is as unequal as ever

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.35, Unattributed 

Only 2,000 out of 125,000 frontline NHS staff who are isolating have been tested

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.3, Andrew Woodcock 

Just 2,000 key NHS staff tested for Covid-19

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Ian Sample; Rowena Mason 

Just 2,000 frontline NHS staff out of half a million have been tested

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Ian Sample; Rowena Mason 

Needless political spin risks corroding trust in No 10 crisis strategy

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.2, Unattributed 

550,000 NHS staff, only 2,000 tested

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.1, Sophie Borland; Jason Groves 

Testing is the only way to end this purgatory. The PM must now get a grip

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.16, Unattributed 

Staggering incompetence of our public health fatcats 

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.6, Guy Adams 

Appoint a minister for testing now, Boris - or history will not be kind

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.19, Stephen Glover 

Shambles

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.1, Martin Bagot 

Q and A

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.5, Unattributed 

FAILING THE TEST

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.4, Martin Bagot; ben Glaze; Nick Sommerlad 

FAILING THE TEST

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.4, Chloe Kerr; matt Dathan; kate Ferguson; nick Mcdermo 

NHS staff come first

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.8, Unattributed 

NOW GET A BLEEDIN' GRIP, BOZO

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.1, James Caven 

NOW GET A BLEEDIN' grip, bozo BORIS Johnson's Government has been blasted as just 2,000 out of 500,000 hero health workers who are fighting on the frontline against Covid-19 have so far been tested for the killer bug. Coronavirus latest: P4,5,6&7 ¦ by JAM

Daily Star (Lancs), 02/04/2020, p.1, James Caven 

It's hell for our heroes!

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.4, James Caven 

RIDICULOUS

Metro, 02/04/2020, p.1, Aidan Radnedge 

Medical staff turned back at drive-throughs

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.5, Emma Yeomans 

A drive-through coronavirus test site in the car park for Chessington World of Adventures, which has been set aside for NHS staff, was almost empty yesterday, as NHS staff are finding it too difficult to get to. However, at a similar testing centre in the car park of Ikea, at Wembley, roads were gridlocked before the 10am opening and many early arrivals were turned away by NHS security guards because their car registrations were not on a list of about 200 authorised vehicles. Ikea said it was reviewing its other sites to see if more could be set up. It is noted that last week, Sir Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, promised a "ramping up" of testing for NHS staff . 

NHS workers refused swabs at newly open test centres

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.2, Henry Bodkin; Miranda Levy 

Shock as the UK death toll rockets by 563

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.8, Eleanor Hayward 

The coronavirus death toll soared by 563 yesterday to 2,352 as the Government warned it is 'the biggest threat our country has faced in decades'. Professor Yvonne Doyle, of Public Health England, said the UK was not in as 'severe' a position as Spain, the US or Italy, but added: 'We have now seen three days of increases of hospital admissions in a row. We need to protect the NHS, and the best way to do that is to stay at home.' Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, has warned that the country is 'very much still in the woods' and he expects death rates and hospital admissions to keep increasing.

Darkest day as the UK death toll rises to 2,352

Daily Express, 02/04/2020, p.6, Hanna Geissler 

Hospitals' oxygen at risk of failure as cases surge, NHS England warns

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.4, Denis Campbell 

NHS bosses have warned all NHS trusts in England to limit the number of people they put on mechanical ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, after a London teaching hospital almost ran out of oxygen for its Covid-19 patients last weekend because it was treating so many people with the disease who needed help to breathe. NHS England was so concerned by the incident that it told hospital bosses in a letter on Monday that the risk constituted a "critical safety concern" which could have major consequences for all patients relying on oxygen to stay alive. 

Protection 'racket' as carers pay 1,000% more for masks

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.8, Andrew Ellson 

Care homes and social care providers have warned that some suppliers of face masks, aprons, gloves and antibacterial hand gels have taken advantage of the coronavirus crisis to raise their prices by more than 1,000 per cent. One social care provider claimed that it was being charged as much as £8 for a box of 100 non-latex gloves that used to cost £2, and that one supplier had tried to charge £179 for five litres of hand gel that used to cost £5. Katrin Green, who runs a domiciliary care agency that supports 350 vulnerable people in Torbay, said: "We are being ripped off. It's daylight robbery...These suppliers want big orders. The NHS is ordering millions and we only need thousands. I don't think they want the extra delivery costs or admin burden of smaller orders." 

Payouts for families of fatally infected NHS staff

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.5, Unattributed 

Ministers are finalising a scheme under which families of NHS staff who die because of coronavirus will be offered compensation. To date, four NHS staff have died from the virus, and the scheme is expected to cover any NHS worker who succumbs to the disease.

Virus patients more likely to die may have ventilators taken away

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Denis Campbell; Alexandra Topping; Caelainn Barr 

The British Medical Association (BMA) has set out guidelines to ration care if the NHS becomes overwhelmed with new cases as the coronavirus outbreak peaks. Under the proposals, hospitals would impose "severe" limits on who is put on a ventilator, and large numbers of patients could be denied care, with those facing a poor prognosis losing the potentially life-saving equipment even if their condition is improving. The BMA guidelines came as Public Health England (PHE) finalises an updated document setting out what protective kit should be worn in different medical settings, that is intended to dispel the confusion, alarm and fear among frontline NHS staff. The document, due out today, is reported to be a partial revision of guidance that led to PHE facing a barrage of criticism from groups representing doctors, nurses, midwives and other NHS staff.

Ventilator rationing blueprint revealed

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.1, Denis Campbell; Alexandra Topping; Caelainn Barr 

Covid-19 patients could have treatment withdrawn to save others

ITV.com (Web), 02/04/2020, Unattributed 

Firm running new hospital warns staff of shortages

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.5, David Parsley; Lawrie Holmes 

Mitie, the firm providing and maintaining heating, cooling, lighting and water at NHS' giant Nightingale Hospital, has warned that it is short of protective equipment and told its staff it is in "survival mode" as its revenue is "drying up". Chief executive Phil Bentley made the shocking revelations in an email sent to staff on Monday evening.

Rogue firms targeting NHS staff with tax dodge scams

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.71, James Salmon 

HM Revenue & Customs has warned that NHS workers are being targeted by rogue firms promoting aggressive tax avoidance schemes, adding that they will be hit with hefty penalties for dodging tax if they fall into such traps. An HMRC spokesman said: 'It is shocking that unscrupulous promoters of tax avoidance schemes are targeting returning NHS workers during this difficult time. We urge people to be very careful to not inadvertently sign up to such arrangements.' 

NHS England confirms its guidance on parental visits

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.10, Shaun Lintern 

NHS England has confirmed that hospitals should allow parents to be with children who are being treated for the coronavirus, after the family of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab - who died at King's College Hospital in south London in the early hours of Monday - said that he had died alone because of the risk of infection. The end-of-life charity Marie Curie has also called on doctors to allow families to be with their loved ones, describing it as an "important part of their duty of care".

Doctor who came out of retirement is killed by coronavirus

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.7, Sally Guyoncourt 

Dr Alfa Saadu, a retired hospital doctor who returned to work to assist the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, died on Tuesday morning after contracting Covid-19 about two weeks ago. Lance McCarthy, the chief executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: "Alfa was well known at the trust for his passion for ensuring our patients received highquality care. He was a committed member of the team and is remembered fondly by many."

NHS toll Retired doctor, 68, is latest to die from virus

The Guardian, 02/04/2020, p.4, Matthew Weaver 

Dad of seven went 'beyond the call of duty... but he had no protection'

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.6, Amy-Clare Martin 

It is alleged that NHS nurse Thomas Harvey died in self-isolation after treating a suspected Covid-19 patient without any protective equipment at Goodmayes Hospital, in Ilford, East London. North East London NHS Foundation Trust insisted the hospital has been following national PPE guidance.

''My dad was let down'': Father-of-seven died after treating patient with coronavirus

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Two frontline medics killed by virus they were fighting

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.8, Nick Mcdermott; chris Pollard; shaun Wooller 

Reinvented iron lung could help ventilator shortage

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.9, Shaun Lintern 

A taskforce of doctors, engineers and scientists has developed and tested a modern version of "iron lung" machines, called an exovent, which could provide an answer to the health service's shortage of ventilators during the coronavirus outbreak. The Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge is one of three NHS hospitals that have agreed to road test six of the machine in coming days, and the taskforce has been supported by Professor Sir John Burn, chairman of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust and a former member of NHS England's board.

Prince Charles hails 'emergency service' efforts of the nation's shelf-stackers

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.7, Hannah Furness 

The Prince of Wales has praised supermarket shelf-stackers as Britain's newest "emergency service", as he lauded employees "toiling as hard as they can" to keep the nation running during the coronavirus pandemic. The Prince also paid tribute to the "utter, selfless devotion to duty" of NHS staff, volunteers and key workers around the country, he spoke of the "strange, frustrating and often distressing" experience of self-isolation.

Charles hails 'remarkable NHS'

i (The paper for today), 02/04/2020, p.14, Unattributed 

None of us can say when this will end, but end it will

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.8, Russell Myers 

CLAP OF HONOUR

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.1, Emma Pietras 

The Sun is urging its readers to take part in the "Clap For Our Carers" event every Thursday, to applaud NHS staff who are risking their lives on the frontline of the coronavirus epidemic. England's Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May said: "Knowing the public are right behind them will help to sustain nurses, doctors, therapists and the countless others who are giving their all to help patients." 

THURSDAY AT 8..MAKE IT A DATE!

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.2, Emma Pietras; mike Ridley; kate Jackson 

NHS to profit from virtual Grand National

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.11, Marcus Armytage 

There will be a virtual Grand National on Saturday, with all bookmaker profits going to National Health Service charities.

NHS to profit from virtual Grand National

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.11, Marcus Armytage 

Virtual Grand National to go ahead

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.62, Unattributed 

Aintree has gone viral

Daily Star, 02/04/2020, p.6, Jack Andrews 

National bets to help NHS from the horse's mouth

Metro, 02/04/2020, p.32, Unattributed 

Sturgeon abandons 'sinister' plan to scrap juries after backlash

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.9, Izzy Lyons; Simon Johnson 

Boots UK is donating more than 200k personal care products including hand cream, shower gel and toothpaste to NHS workers and vulnerable people to help them manage during the coronavirus pandemic.

Midwives Call for hotels to be used as pop-up birth centres

The Guardian (North), 02/04/2020, p.12, Hannah Summers 

The UK-based Midwifery Unit Network (MUN) has said that hotels should be used as "pop-up" birth centres with retired and student midwives drafted into support NHS staff, in an effort to help expectant mothers stay away from hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Spire given debt boost after it supports NHS

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.45, Alex Ralph 

Spire Healthcare has agreed a covenant waiver on its debts and has cancelled its dividend after it made its hospitals available to the NHS during the coronavirus crisis. Analysts at Numis, Spire's house broker, said that the group "is likely to be well placed, once this has passed, to respond to likely pentup demand arising from a period of elective suspension across both the NHS and private sector".

Euro 2020 volunteers switch to NHS

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.11, Lucy Fisher; charlotte Wace 

Volunteers due to assist the Euro 2020 football tournament this summer have been drafted into the new NHS Nightingale field hospital for coronavirus patients in east London.

Joe's videos net NHS £80k

Daily Express, 02/04/2020, p.10, Tom Bryant 

Fitness coach Joe Wicks is donating the £80,000 in advertising he has raised from his daily online PE lessons to the NHS. Shotgun singer George Ezra has also waived any fee for the use of his music in Joe's videos.

Joe's workout cash for NHS

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.7, Unattributed 

MG HELPS OUT NHS MG [...]

The Daily Mirror, 02/04/2020, p.44, Colin Goodwin 

It is reported that MG is supplying 100 of its ZS EV electric crossovers to NHS agencies free of charge for up to six months to help in combating coronavirus.

AA's offer to NHS staff

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.71, Unattributed 

The AA is launching a free breakdown service for 1.5m NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis. AA chief executive Simon Breakwell said the idea had come from 'numerous suggestions from our people indicating that the NHS are there for us, so we want to be there for them'.

AA offers free breakdown assistance for NHS workers

ITV.com (Web), 02/04/2020, Unattributed 

The irony of coronavirus

The Independent Daily Edition, 02/04/2020, p.6, Sean O'grady 

Comment: Sean O'Grady writes that while more and more pressing questions about NHS preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic are being asked, the effective shut down of parliament has meant that "there are fewer formal opportunities for MPs and peers to put them directly to ministers".

No one's looking at you any more - celebrities are in a corona crisis

The Times, 02/04/2020, p.4, Polly Vernon 

Polly Vernon praises some celebrities who have tried to help during the coronavirus outbreak, such as actor James McAvoy, who has denoted £275,000 to a PPE crowdfunding appeal and applied to join the NHS volunteer scheme, but admonishes others who have tried to use the crisis to attract attention to themselves.

Even I have struggled with self-isolation

The Daily Telegraph, 02/04/2020, p.16, Paul Cosford 

Professor Paul Cosford, emeritus medical director at Public Health England, writes about his struggle to self-isolate being one of the people classed as "at risk" of catching the coronavirus.

Like so many medics I'm stuck at home with just a cough. This is madness

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.5, Max Pemberton 

Comment: Dr Max Pemberton writes about his frustration at the slowness of the government's coronavirus testing of NHS workers at a time when one in four NHS doctors is currently sitting at home, unable to work because they or someone they're living with is displaying symptoms of coronavirus., especially when NHS Providers claimed this week that as many as 85 per cent of the staff self-isolating at home may not have the virus. 

Globalisation has passed its peak

Daily Mail, 02/04/2020, p.70, Ruth Sunderland 

An interview with Christopher Nieper, in which he comments about the current coronavirus crisis: 'Never again as a country should we leave ourselves so exposed, with the NHS desperate for scrubs and gowns the country can't supply, and it is the same with other things, such as respirators. We are moving into a new age of localisation, with community at its heart.' 

Our great talent for invention will lead us out of darkness

Daily Express, 02/04/2020, p.12, Leo Mckinstry 

Columnist Leo McKinstry writes that "nothing better exemplifies the country's selfless spirit than the willingness of more than 750,000 people to sign up as NHS volunteers".

Who bags an Oscar?

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.54, Unattributed 

The Sun's Oscar Paul nominates people who have gone above and beyond in March to help those in need during the coronavirus outbreak for his own Academy Awards. Among the nominees are Crystal Palace player Wilfried Zaha, who offered rent-free accommodation at 50 properties for NHS staff who cannot get home after shifts, and pundit Gary Neville, who allowed NHS staff free access to the rooms to sleep in amid the pandemic.

Kindness leads to contentment

Metro, 02/04/2020, p.23, Susan Griffin 

Comment: following the success of the nationwide round of applause for NHS workers last wek, Susan Griffin recommends that readers offer kindness and be generous to others, quoting Dr Dimitrios Paschos at Re:Cognition Health, who says: 'Kindness promotes gratitude, empathy and compassion and leads to contentment.'

Stop driving for exercise

The Sun, 02/04/2020, p.47, Unattributed 

Letter: "Covid-19 has shone a bright light on the incredible work of our NHS - and now we're seeing just how our troops are stepping up to the mark. The construction of the Nightingale Hospital in East London has been completed after those brave lads worked around the clock. It is heartwarming."

Claridge's opens its doors to NHS heroes with beds and dinner

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

Claridge's hotel in Mayfair is transforming itself into a five-star refuge for dozens of London NHS workers who cannot live at home during the Covid-19 crisis. Paddy McKillen, co-owner of the Maybourne Group, which runs Claridge's, said: "Just as it has in the past world wars, Claridge's has a duty to step up and support the people of London. Teams from all our hotels have volunteered to help and support the dedicated NHS workers at this critical time. We are forever in their debt."

LONDON'S 'HOUR OF NEED' AS TEST ROW GROWS

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

The NHS in London is reported to have reached its "hour of need", with beds and staffing under pressure amid a growing row over the failure to introduce mass testing for coronavirus. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, issued an appeal to businesses and organisations across the capital to lend the hard-pressed NHS workforce their vehicles, hotel rooms and any spare medical facilities. He has warned that extra capacity is needed within 48 hours to relive the strain on hospitals. Vital extra hospital beds are due to arrive when the new NHS Nightingale hospital, built at lightning speed at the EXCEL centre in Docklands, opens its doors to patients "by the end of the week".

TRAINEE STAFF ON NHS FRONT LINE

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.1, Unattributed 

A photograph of Megan Hollands, one of 300 UCL trainees who graduated today are being deployed on the front line by the NHS in the fight against coronavirus at the Royal Free Hospital.

It's a 'baptism of fire' as medical students are fast-tracked to front line

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.3, Unattributed 

Over 300 final-year students at UCL formally graduated today, and many spoke of a "baptism of fire" as they were fast-tracked onto the front line of the London battle against coronavirus. The news came as new concerns emerged about the accuracy of NHS data on the number of Covid-19 deaths. The Whittington hospital, in Archway, has yet to feature in NHS England's daily statistics but has recorded 20 patient deaths, it confirmed today.

Tottenham offer stadium for use as a hospital

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.30, Unattributed 

London mayor Sadiq Khan has written to the capital's Premier League and Championship clubs to ask for access to medical staff, stadium facilities and accommodation for NHS staff during football's shutdown. Tottenham has offered its ground to the NHS and talks are ongoing how best to use the state-of-the-art facility, which officially opened a year ago on Friday. The possibility of using the stadium for drive-through coronavirus testing has also been discussed.

'He was a bubble of life': family's heartbreak at death of boy, 13

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.4, Unattributed 

Health care assistant Thomas Harvey, who "never took a sick day", is feared to be the latest NHS worker to die after contracting coronavirus. Professor Oliver Shanley, chief executive of North East London NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Thomas was a longstanding dedicated member of our intermediate care team. This is a huge loss to both NELFT and the wider NHS." 

Chemicals body disputes Gove claim of lack of vital test reagents

Evening Standard, 01/04/2020, p.26, Michael Bow 

Although Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove yesterday said the Government wanted to ramp up Covid-19 testing, but obtaining certain chemical reagents was a "critical constraint, a spokesman for the Chemical Industries Association, which represents dozens of top chemicals companies, said reagents were flowing to the NHS. 

Loss of smell and taste could be strongest symptom of coronavirus, study says

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Almost 60% of people who tested positive for coronavirus reported loss of smell and taste, compared with 18% of those who tested negative, analysis of the data showed. Public Health England research say 'there is a range of symptoms" but do not specify a loss of smell. On the question of symptoms, NHS England's National Medical Director Steve Powis said: "The two commonest are by far cough and a fever and that is exactly why they are the two symptoms that we are if they get those symptoms." 

Coronavirus: Government under pressure to ramp up mass NHS staff testing

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

The Government is coming under increasing pressure to ramp up tests as healthcare leaders warned there is "no immediate prospect" of mass NHS staff testing. 

Wainhouse Tower in Halifax lights up blue to thank NHS staff and other key workers in the coronavirus crisis

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A nightly tribute will be paid to NHS and other key workers in Calderdale when a landmark will be lit up in blue as a signal of thanks for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Positive stories raising a smile amid the coronavirus lockdown

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Risk Astley has announced he will be holding a free concert to say thank you for NHS frontline staff, care workers and emergency service staff. 

ITV Wales Weather Presenter Kelsey Redmore shares her experience of living in quarantine with coronavirus symptoms

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

ITV Wales Weather Presenter Kelsey Redmore writes about her experience of being in quarantine with coronavirus symptoms. She notes: "I'm yet to get tested, but for now, I'm just taking things easy and self-isolating as much as I can and following the government and NHS guidelines."

Several more UK sites being converted into temporary coronavirus field hospitals

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Several temporary coronavirus field hospitals are being set up right across the UK, as the NHS aims to boost its bed capacity to cope with the growing coronavirus crisis. Work is already underway at sites in Wales, Cumbria, Scotland and the Midlands, while several sites in Northern Ireland are being considered.

Trials of a drug that could help treat coronavirus are to take place at NHS centres in the North West

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Patients at five NHS centres in the North West are to take part in trials of a drugs that could help treat coronavirus. Manufactured by pharmaceutical company Gilead, the drug Remdesivir is one of many being tested across the world as a treatment for Covid-19.

Drug that could potentially help treat coronavirus is to be trialled at hospitals in Sheffield

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Coronavirus latest: 19 more deaths in the Border region

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Five patients died in hospitals run by the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation trust.

Southend Hospital staff warn of need to cut services due to limited protective gear

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Staff at Southend Hospital said they're concerned about the rationing of personal protective equipment (PPE). In a statement sent to ITV Anglia, bosses at Southend Hospital said they are committed to keeping their staff safe. We are fully complying with the Public Health England guidance on the use of Personal Protective Equipment, which has been developed by expert clinicians and is being followed by the whole of the NHS.

Clubs come together with communities during coronavirus outbreak

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Football clubs across the Midlands have been reaching out to their communities and spreading the word of Government safety guidelines in a show of support for one another during the coronavirus outbreak.

Joe Wicks reveals he's raised $100,000 for the NHS in just one week

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Joe Wicks has raised nearly $100,000 for the NHS from his at-home PE lessons in just a single week. Wicks, in his new found role as the nation's PE teacher, has been putting daily exercise classes on Youtube for people to keep fit and healthy during the coronavirus lockdown. 

RAF Leeming helicopters deployed to support the NHS in fight against COVID-19

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Military helicopters are being deployed across the country to support the NHS in the fight against Covid-19, the Government has announced. 

Region rallies to provide NHS with life-saving equipment

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A company in Peterborough which makes medical gloves is now shipping its entire stock of more than 88 million to the NHS. Iain Crawford, Group Managing Director, Supermax Healthcare: "Tough decision for us because we have almost 700 customers of which the NHS is only one, so any decision we made with this stock was going to impact everybody. But in other ways it was the easiest decision we ever made because our frontline medical staff need our support and help now more than ever and this was just the only way we felt that we could do it."

Burton Albion FC offer space for NHS to support expectant and new mums

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Burton Albion FC are making one of the suites at the Pirelli Stadium available for midwives at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) to offer expectant and new mums care closer to their homes. The club staff are now working remotely from home during the COVID-19 outbreak and have donated the facility to the UHDB Trust until the foreseeable future.

Teddy bear maker recently affected by flooding fundraises for NHS during coronavirus outbreak

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Britain's oldest remaining teddy bear maker is supporting the NHS' fight against the coronavirus by relaunching a specially-made fundraising bear. Merrythought, the bear-maker, is based in Ironbridge. It had only recently been affected by flooding from the River Severn.

Carlisle landmark lights up blue in appreciation for the NHS

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A landmark in Carlisle will be illuminated each night in recognition of the hard work of NHS and key workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Carlisle's citadel will be lit up in NHS blue as a signal of thanks.

Sheffield bike shop offering free services and essentials for all NHS staff

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A team of 'two and a half' bike mechanics are keeping their 75-year-old shop open to help keep their community safely moving during the coronavirus crisis. They are also offering free bike services for all NHS staff and have teamed up with their suppliers to provide a free helmet, set of bike lights and high visibility jackets too. 

Leeds Beckett University joining forces with NHS to train up to 1,000 new staff

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Leeds Beckett University is opening up city centre sites the Rose Bowl and Portland buildings to the NHS to offer teaching spaces, catering facilities and meeting rooms. 

Hospital Trusts merge to form Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

Bedford Hospital NHS Trust and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have merged to form a brand new Trust. The new Trust said that providing consistent leadership within an integrated Trust is essential as the NHS deals with COVID-19.

Rutland teacher makes masks for NHS staff

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A design and technology teacher from Rutland has been making face shields to help protect NHS workers from coronavirus.

Luton man jailed for spitting at two NHS workers in ''disgusting and unprovoked attack''

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A man from Luton has been handed a nine-week prison sentence for spitting at two NHS workers in the town. David Carter, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: "It seems inconceivable that our staff would be abused in this way at this time and we would like to thank Bedfordshire Police for following up the incident in the way they have."

Airbus to bring 400,000 face masks destined for NHS to Flintshire

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

More than 400,000 surgical masks destined for the NHS in the UK have been loaded on to trucks in France to arrive in north Wales. The cargo is part of a total of six million surgical masks that have already been brought to Europe from China using Airbus aircraft.

Former international javelin star James Campbell to run marathon in Cheltenham back garden to raise funds for NHS

ITV.com (Web), 01/04/2020, Unattributed 

A former international athlete from Gloucestershire will spend his birthday running a marathon - adhering to social distancing by doing it in his back garden. He has set up a fundraising page to make sure his efforts would at least benefit a good cause - setting a target of £10,000 for the NHS.

ACTIONS TAKEN 

• Reviewing new assets published by PHE on campaign resources website and how we need to use them. 

• Every Mind Matters quiz added link to websites and social media

• Adding GOV UK summary of advice table to websites

• Emailed NHSE team for advice / update on pharmacy opening hours over Easter bank holidays, should have an update later this week.

• Monitoring latest updates from Public Health England and GOV.UK 

• Social media monitoring for local areas, local hospitals and retweeting PHE, NHS messages on Coronavirus advice is ongoing 

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

• None 

 

STATEMENTS ISSUED

• None

 

Engagement, Communications and Marketing Team

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit