HOSPITAL bosses at one North East trust have revealed the majority of those in its care with Covid have not yet had their Covid vaccine or have had just one dose.

The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, which is caring for around ten Covid patients, made the comments as it said hospital numbers were rising.

It comes as the Government this week confirmed the easing of almost all lockdown restrictions, including use of face coverings, from July 19.

Read more: This is the Covid situation in the North East's hospitals - as figures revealed

Meanwhile hospital bosses from across the region urged vigilance following rising infection rates as more restrictions are eased.

Analysis of hospital figures from across the North East and North Yorkshire's seven trusts found that admissions were now significantly higher than a month ago.

Figures showed admissions on June 2 (the lowest since the second wave peak) averaged at around 14, but have continued to rise to 82 – across the entire region – as of July 3.

The Northern Echo: Sunderland Royal Hospital Picture: GOOGLESunderland Royal Hospital Picture: GOOGLE

That has led to the trust, which runs Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital, revealing that the majority of patients are not fully vaccinated.

Dr Shaz Wahid, Medical Director at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, urged everyone to book their Covid jab as soon as possible.

He told The Northern Echo: “We have seen a sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in our local communities and are starting to see an increase in those being admitted to our hospitals.

"The majority of patients we are seeing are younger and either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.

"Therefore, I urge anyone who hasn't already had their Covid-19 vaccination to book an appointment as soon as possible.

"This week we celebrate the 73rd birthday of the NHS and the best present we could ask for is for everyone eligible to take the vaccine.

Read more: Those with two Covid vaccine jabs won't need to self-isolate

"Our staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic so please continue to support us by wearing a face mask, washing your hands regularly and maintaining social distancing wherever possible.

"Covid-19 has not gone away and we need to continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and each other."

Earlier this week, scientists advising the Government said the link between Covid cases and hospital mortality had been "weakened" due to the vaccination programme.

But that did not stop NHS Trusts across the region against warning people to remain cautious as restrictions unlock.

'We're not out of the pandemic'

Chief Nurse Lindsey Robertson at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust warned that the country was "not out" of the pandemic yet.

She said: “While Covid-19 admissions are much lower than before, we urge the public to remain vigilant in the face of this continuing threat. We’re not out of this yet and cases are rising around the country.

“The vaccine is the best defence, but it can never be 100 per cent effective.

“Continuing to observe physical distancing, wearing masks when required and good hand hygiene are essential.

“We urge everyone to get the vaccine and remember Hands-Face-Space-Fresh Air."

To view the Government's dashboard which contains the hospital figures - click here

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