Covid-19

Rough sleepers remain vulnerable to Covid-19

Plans to protect the homeless and rough sleepers are not reaching some of those most at risk, according to a charity volunteer. Mark Harvey, a freelance photographer and volunteer at Sheffield’s Archer Project, told Sheffield Live it’s a huge challenge to get rough sleepers off the street and into accommodation, particularly some of the most vulnerable and those with complex needs. Baillor Jalloh reports.

Sheffield carers return home after shielding vulnerable residents

Four care workers are preparing to return to their families after four weeks shielding vulnerable residents at a Sheffield care home. Lynsey Wright, deputy manager at Bridgedale House, and three other care workers are heading home after a month living in with dementia patients to help protect them from Covid-19. A new team will move in to provide continuing care and support. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Campaigners blame austerity for NHS struggle on Covid-19

Campaigners from Sheffield Save Our NHS have blamed years of austerity as the reason for the NHS struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic amid concerns about access to personal protective equipment for frontline workers. Campaigner Jeremy Short said: “The NHS was not equipped enough to deal with a pandemic like this”. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Rate of Covid-19 spread reduces as lockdown extended

The spread of Covid-19 is being slowed and lives are being saved, Sheffield’s health protection manager Ruth Granger told Sheffield Live! as the government extended the lockdown for a further three weeks. As of 16 April there have been 1412 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Sheffield however many more are thought to have been infected as testing is limited to the critically ill and key workers. The NHS has reported 113 patients in Sheffield hospitals have sadly died of the disease. Baillor Jalloh reports.

Sheffield firm makes face visors for frontline workers

Sheffield prosthetics manufacturer Blatchford have converted their facilities for production of face masks to help protect frontline NHS staff. The company, who usually make make orthotic and prosthetic devices, are using their highly skilled technicians, supply chain and facilities to assist the Covid-19 response. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Blatchford operations manager, Nigel Birkett.

‘I’ve not felt supported’, says Sheffield care home director

Palms Row Health Care has had two outbreaks of Covid-19 in its Sheffield nursing homes, with 11 deaths and dozens more staff and residents testing positive. Director, Nicola Richards said: “We should have had support quicker”. Richards told Sheffield Live! there had been a lack of access to personal protective equipment until last week and emergency funding is still to arrive. Baillor Jalloh reports.