Return to full lockdown needed in NI as health service creaks: Doctor

That is the warning from Dr Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) Northern Ireland committee, as he urged the Stormont government to impose a return to full lockdown.

Speaking to the News Letter, Dr Black warned that the second wave of the pandemic has reached a “plateau” rather than the sharp peak and swift reduction in infections seen during the first wave.

“The first wave was very much a peak and we came down quickly,” he said. “We are starting to develop a plateau. Experts at the BMA had already warned us that we would see a longer, slower reduction in numbers and that it could last anywhere up to 12 weeks.”

He continued: “That’s a very big concern because we have a big need for hospital beds and intensive care beds.

“The big worry in the last seven days is that there have been more than 1,000 cases in patients older than 60. What that tells us is that some of them will need hospital beds and intensive care.

“That’s a system completely under pressure with huge demands coming up to us next week and the week after, and persisting on for who knows how long. Our concern is under pressure with no hope on the horizon.”

Dr Black added: “We have a triple whammy with the pandemic, the winter pressures — it’s always jammed at this time of year — and you have thousands of staff who are absent through sickness and isolation.”

“It is hanging by a thread.”

He continued: “Boris Johnson just called for a full lockdown in England. Their numbers have been lower than ours. Why is Northern Ireland going against the grain and not doing what’s needed — a lockdown. Reopening hospitality at this time is not the way to go.”

The Executive Office has been invited to respond.