Hospital-acquired COVID-19 infections
The Trust extends its sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones and those who contracted COVID-19 while in our care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recognise that it has been a very difficult time for relatives and friends of those who died, many of whom were unable to visit their loved ones due to the restricted visiting in place to maximise safety, and some never got to say their final goodbyes when those closest to them were approaching their end of life.
During the second and third pandemic surges, which commenced in October 2020 and lasted for approximately five months there was a very high prevalence of Covid-19 Infection in the communities we serve, and within our hospitals.
Our Eastern Services reported 39 outbreaks to Public Health England and Northern Services reported 7 outbreaks. In total, these outbreaks affected 419 patients.
We directly contacted all the affected people and families and we have shared the investigation reports into outbreaks at our main sites in Exeter and Barnstaple.
The investigation team would like to extend their thanks to the patients, families and staff who assisted with the investigation, providing open and honest accounts of events to support learning and improve patient safety.
The reports can be read by clicking on the links below:
Eastern services:
- Learning from COVID-19 transmission at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
- Learning form COVID-19 transmission at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust - ACTION PLAN
Northern services: