Dear Editor
Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government have sought to reinforce one key message: Protect our NHS.
Locally it is now more important than ever. A very high number of Coronavirus cases across North Staffordshire has seen our health services take the brunt. There are now more than double the number of Coronavirus patients being treated in hospital locally than there were in the first wave.
Our health and care staff deserve more thanks than we can ever give for everything they are doing to help those most in need. We cannot allow our NHS to be overwhelmed, to do so will cost lives and could mean people who need treatment for other illnesses do not get the urgent treatment they need.
We must all act now to reduce the spread of the virus, protect our NHS and save lives.
As long as we follow the Government’s Hands, Face, Space guidelines (www.gov.uk/coronavirus), we will all help to reduce the number of people falling ill with the Coronavirus at any one time, flattening the curve and reducing the demand on our NHS.
If you think you have Coronavirus symptoms or are contacted by NHS Track and Trace you must isolate immediately. If you have symptoms even if only mild, book a test and continue to isolate until you receive the results.
If you need to access NHS services, we encourage you to do so, but please ensure you are accessing the right services for the treatment you need and ensure A&E is only for emergencies and those who need it most. GPs, pharmacies and walk-in centres are all there to offer medical treatment and advice, if you are unsure always dial 111 to get advice on the best NHS service for your needs.
Across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire we know people’s lives have been significantly impacted by Coronavirus. Many will have had their jobs and livelihoods affected, others will have suffered from the virus and sadly lost loved ones. The Government has been working hard to put in place as much support as possible for those who need it and we are there to help those who need it during this difficult time.
We know people are frustrated and most have been doing everything possible to help reduce the spread of the virus. But we ask you to please stick with it. We are seeing very positive progress with the development of a vaccine and more rapid testing. This give us significant hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we can start to get our lives back closer to normal. Together we will get through this.
Yours Sincerely,
Jack Brereton MP
Jonathan Gullis MP
Aaron Bell MP
Jo Gideon MP