THE number of new Covid cases across Hampshire is “slowly starting to rise” along with an increase in hospital admissions.

According to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, there are currently 63 Covid positive patients at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and 40 at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Officials said the hospitals are busy, but the Trust have plans in place to cope with an increase in activity.

Julie Dawes, chief nurse at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has asked people to help their local hospitals by using the right service.

Ms. Dawes said: “Like other trusts across the country, we are beginning to see a rise in the number of patients who have tested positive for Coronavirus and need our care. Our hospitals are busy, but we have plans in place to cope with an increase in activity and will start to put these into action if and when they are needed.

“Our staff have worked tirelessly this year to provide the best care to everyone who needs our help – both with and without COVID-19 – and they will continue to do so as we look towards a challenging couple of weeks.

“We are asking the community to help their local hospitals by using the right service and doing all you can to stay safe. Follow all of the guidance in place including staying home, regularly washing your hands and wearing a face mask when making essential journeys. What we all do now will have a big impact on our hospitals in the weeks to come -we all have a part to play in reducing the risk of transmission and protecting the NHS.”