Coronavirus: NI medical staff sought psychological support during pandemic, says doctor

Dr Paul Johnston said victims of severe disease were suffering from “prolonged” respiratory failure, in some cases needing several weeks of treatment on a ventilator, and a high number required dialysis for kidney failure.

When speaking about some of his colleagues who had treated patients, he said: “Many of our nurses have had to avail of psychology services.”

Of Covid-19, the doctor at Antrim Area Hospital said a significant risk factor was age.

He said: “Mortality in intensive care patients increases dramatically with advanced years.

“For example, those aged over 70 have an approximately 60% chance of dying with Covid-19 without really considering any other factors.

“Significantly, for our younger population, intensive care mortality in under 40’s has been postulated to still be in the order of 15%.”

The figures relate to whole of UK data for those in hospital intensive care units.

On average, someone admitted to hospital has a 10% chance of ending up in intensive care.

Dr Johnston said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of patients who need intensive care support.”

He added: “The public along with politicians and other influential figures should not under-estimate the next phase of this pandemic.

“Covid-19 is still very much with us and preventative measures are recommended for good reason, they work to reduce spread of disease.

“Frontline staff are worried about what is coming down the line with a second wave.”

He added: “This is a time of year when the health service has historically been at its most fragile”, before concluding: “Prevention seems better than a cure that does not currently exist.”