COLCHESTER Hospital’s boss says he has “significant cause for concern” amid unprecedented demand heading into winter.

Neill Moloney, acting chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation NHS Trust, which runs Colchester, Harwich and Clacton hospitals, said the trust is facing “not normal” winter pressures.

It comes as health leaders across north east Essex urge residents to help the NHS by using the correct service and to get fully vaccinated against the dual threat of Covid and flu.

They believe this winter will be “unprecedently tough”.

Clinicians say admissions to hospitals have significantly increased in recent days, with the sickest patients being individuals who are unvaccinated against Covid.

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There has also been a big rise in the number of people attending A&E departments for non-life threatening conditions.

Mr Moloney now says he expects things to get even tougher in north east Essex over the coming winter months and has urged people to get vaccinated.

“These are not normal winter pressures – we are not usually in this position with this level of demand in early November,” he said.

“We have also not seen the impact of flu yet and this is what normally causes our escalation. This gives me significant cause for concern.

“The number of people we are treating in hospital is increasing and is impacting on our ability to manage all of the patients that we would like to.

“Those patients who are sickest are unvaccinated against Covid.

“Please get your flu and Covid vaccinations if you have not done so already and help us at this critical time.”

Health leaders in the region reinforced the notion patients should continue to come forward for care and to speak to a pharmacist, GP or call 111 if they need urgent advice.

As of last Tuesday, ESNEFT hospitals - including Colchester - had 93 Covid-19 patients, with eight on mechanical ventilation beds.

Danny Showell, public health consultant at Essex County Council, added: “If you are still unsure about having your Covid vaccination, please do visit official websites that contain reliable and accurate sources of information.

“Across north east Essex we have conducted a lot of work to answer questions and address concerns. Please visit one of the walk-in clinics for your Covid vaccination and arrange for a flu jab at your GP or pharmacy.

“Every one of us has a role to play in helping the NHS this winter by getting vaccinated and using services in the right way.”

A full list of where you can get a booster, first or second dose of a Covid-19 vaccination can be found via bit.ly/3D2oQGT.