LEIGHTON Hospital bosses are looking to recruit more staff to cover possible shortages as the pandemic continues.

Our NHS heroes have worked tirelessly at Leighton Hospital since Covid-19 hit Cheshire earlier this year.

But a report presented this week to the board at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, says there is a risk of insufficient junior medical staff numbers to cover additional demand caused by coronavirus over the next year.

While the hospital is currently experiencing less pressure caused by Covid-19, it is now seeing demand for other areas rise again, and it has decided to take on 22 new members of staff to plug potential gaps in the coming months.

James Sumner, chief executive at the trust, said: “Pressures on the trust are now reducing with circa one-fifth of the peak demand now being experienced in the trust.

Northwich Guardian:

“This is enabling some elective work to resume over the last fortnight – however, this is still hindered by the need to keep 'Covid-clean’ green areas separate from areas where there are higher risks of transmission.

“A&E demand is now increasing to previous levels which is creating stretch on the medical workforce which is being addressed through additional recruitment.”

The move comes as junior doctors are expected to leave Leighton Hospital in August to continue their studies, in line with Health Education England requirements.

Mr Sumner also raised concerns about ‘a historically lower than average number of doctors’ currently working for the trust, as well as junior doctors being restricted to work in segregated parts of Leighton Hospital which have been divided to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The trust, which also runs Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst in Winsford, will employ the staff on fixed-term contracts up to March 2021 at a cost of £800,000.

Mr Sumner added: “Alternative options are being explored, should these staff not be available.”

Half of the £800,000 has been covered by a contract already agreed between the trust and NHS commissioners, while it is hoped the remainder of the costs will be reimbursed by national regulators.