Coronavirus: Time off for Portsmouth staff cancelled as Queen Alexandra Hospital prepares for increase in patients

Chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Mark Cubbon, delivered the news to staff via email at the end of last week but concerns have been raised by staff about potential burn-out as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

There have now been 42 patients, with underlying health conditions, who have died testing positive for Covid-19 reported at the hospital in Cosham and as of March 30, 72 cases diagnosed in Portsmouth according to Public Health England.

A member of staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital, who wished to remain anonymous, told The News: ‘It’s a bit of a stab in the back, thanks for your hard work but you won’t see your families.

‘The Easter holidays will be difficult for those who had leave booked and share with partners also working in the NHS. I don’t think people know what to do but staff will work extra for the team and for the patients.

‘It’s unprecedented work and it is becoming emotionally testing as days go on.’

It comes after England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, said it could be six months before life returns to ‘normal’.

The employee added: ‘The NHS staff is the greatest asset and always pulls together to cope despite stresses.’

In the daily Covid-19 update email to staff, seen by The News, Mr Cubbon wrote: ‘Given the significance of the situation, we have taken the decision to suspend all annual leave, with effect of Sunday March 29.

‘This is a decision which was not taken lightly, but one which will allow us to scale up the essential skills training required to support our preparedness plans, while ensuring we have enough of us around to respond to the increased number of patients we expect to see.

‘This does not change your entitlement to annual leave, nor is it intended to suggest that we do not recognise the need for us all to have time away from work to rest and recuperate.’

More than 20,000 former NHS staff have returned to help colleagues in the battle against coronavirus according to prime minister Boris Johnson, who is currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

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