The impact of coronavirus on the Great Western Hospital was described as "a marathon followed by another marathon and another marathon" by its chairman.

Liam Coleman and executives spoke about the challenges the trust had faced with coronavirus and about their plans for the upcoming year at the annual members’ meeting on Tuesday evening.

But executives also outlined the progress the trust had made despite the unprecedented circumstances.

Around 2,000 lives have been saved because of the 96,000 vaccinations delivered by GWH.

The number of patients on waiting lists longer than a year dropped from 2,000 in April to 824 at the end of July. But executives acknowledged this still needed improving.

On Tuesday, GWH was treating 46 coronavirus patients, with three of those in ICU. At the January and February peak, there were more than 160 patients. 

Chief executive Kevin McNamara added: “Staff felt optimism when a lockdown was coming because it eased pressure, although obviously this was not without impact on community. 

“But we haven’t had the benefit of a lockdown recently so we have had to be more fluid in our operational responses and managing Covid patients.

“We are now in a more constrained financial environment but we need to get back to resembling the pre-Covid world as well as give staff a chance to recover.

“We have not had the normal summer respite, and after this sustained period of pressure we want to support staff as best we can.

“We don’t know what the winter will hold but we are hopeful vaccines will break the link.”
Executives showed their appreciation for NHS staff and their response to the pandemic, and highlighted that supporting staff’ is a priority for the future.

Chief operating officer Felicity Taylor-Drewe said: “We all have personal stories from the Covid journey so supporting the wellbeing of staff now is key.”

Covid patients are, on average, spending four days in hospital which is far shorter than the average 28 days in the first wave. Senior figures attribute this to the vaccine. 

Tribute was also paid to Edmond Adedeji and Thaung Htaik, two doctors who died after contracting coronavirus.