THE Royal Berkshire Trust has been caring for more coronavirus patients this month than at the peak in during the first wave in 2020, figures reveal.

NHS England data shows that 236 people were being treated for Covid-19 at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust by 8am on January 12.

That was a rise of 54 per cent compared to the peak of 153 reported during April last year.

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Separate monthly figures from the NHS give an insight into the ages of patients admitted at the Royal Berkshire Trust - in the seven days to January 6, 11 of the 32 Covid admissions were of people aged between 18 and 64.

Latest figures, from yesterday (January 17), show that 105 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the 24 hours up to 4pm.

This brings Reading's total confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic to 8,038.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned there was a “very substantial” risk of intensive care units being overwhelmed by the current wave of Covid-19 cases, as the number of patients in hospital with the virus reached a record high nationally.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital says it has experienced a rise in Covid numbers over the last few weeks and anticipates this to continue for weeks to come.

Although it is undoubtedly a busy time for the hospital, the trust is reaching out to the Berkshire community to encourage those experiencing health concerns to keep appointments and seek treatment.

There is increased pressure on services and teams, however Nicky Lloyd, acting chief executive, wants to reassure the public that the Royal Berks is under control, calm and have comprehensive plans in place

She said: "Patient safety is at the forefront of everything we do and we regularly review and update to adapt to ever changing climate to keep you safe.

"We've learned a lot from the first wave of Covid and this has helped us to carry on treating other very seriously ill people and keep services going.

"It's still really important that, if you have an appointment, you come in, because we want to see you. We have very strict infection control policies in place including deep cleans of clinical areas between patients, many hand sanitizer stations, one way systems, socially distanced waiting rooms and we actively promote the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance.

"A concern we do have is the number of patients not attending their scheduled appointments which has the potential for serious consequences if diagnosis or ongoing treatment is delayed.

"I want to encourage you to come if you have been asked to attend an appointment or you urgently need care, it’s vital that we see you in a timely way and ensure your condition is treated or monitored.

"We are a National Health Service and open for multiple diseases and conditions. You will not be a burden and we want you to be seen.

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"There is good news with the roll-out of the vaccine in our community, which will give protection against the effects of the virus.

"Every one of us can stop this virus in its tracks by following social distancing, adhering to lockdown guidelines and ‘Hands, Face, Space’ so together, the Trust and our community can continue to control the spread of the virus."