HOSPITALS in the area are under 'significant pressure' going into the busy winter period.

The medical director of the Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust said sites were operating most days with between 95 and 100 per cent occupancy.

While the number of patients in intensive care has dramatically reduced, steps must be taken to avoid a winter crisis with the virus, Dr Shahedal Bari said.

In a video message he paid tribute to the hard work of staff and volunteers across the trust but warned hospitals were still dealing with the struggles of the pandemic.

Dr Bari said: "We have seen a reduction in the number of hospital admission with Covid though the infectivity is still really high.

"We are seeing a stable number of hospital admissions, which is around 14 people with Covid in hospital beds and there's still one or two patients in ICU as well.

"Our standard visiting is suspended, however for specific parts of the hospital, like the paediatric unit and families with particular needs, we are still allowing visits as much as we to show our compassion.

"Wherever possible, please use mask distance and hand gel, especially within the hospital premises.

"We are following strict infection prevention guidelines and wearing a mask. Using hand gel and allowing social distance is a must.

"That's the only way we can go through the winter to avert another crisis."

Describing pressures staff are under, he said: "Our primary care colleagues are working really hard, and our emergency department is under significant pressure.

"We have got a hospital occupancy between 95 and 100 per cent most of the days.

"If you need help, please do not hesitate to ring 101 first.

"If it is appropriate, and it's an emergency do call 999.

"Our ambulance crews are absolutely busy."

Trust bosses previously discussed a plan to cope with the added pressures of winter demand and Covid later this year.

Trust bosses are predicting that demand from seasonal illnesses could be higher than normal this year.

A number of steps have put in place as part of a strategy at UHMBT sites this winter.

According to a report, an ‘overarching strategy’ to tackle increases demand is to provide enough bed capacity for Covid-19, urgent and emergency care and elective care patients.