AS NHS leaders in Hampshire warned that the weeks ahead “will be the most difficult”, here is an overview of how things currently stand in Hampshire.

What’s happening in our hospitals?

Seventeen NHS leaders from hospitals and NHS services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have signed an open letter calling on the public to stick to the rules.

It comes as doctors said “local hospitals and GP practices are busier than ever before”.

In their letter they added: “With the development of vaccines we now know we can beat this virus, but we cannot let our guard down. These next few weeks will be the most difficult we have ever faced. The colder weather makes things all the more challenging for us. That is why we are asking for your help.”

Do hospitals have enough oxygen to treat patients?

Doctors in Hampshire said “patients who are prescribed oxygen will absolutely continue to have access to it”.

But some concerns have also been raised over the past week.

In a public meeting Dr Andrew Bishop, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight (HIOW) NHS Covid-19 Clinical Medical Acute Lead, said oxygen use at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital “is getting towards its capacity”.

He added: “We have not yet arrived to a situation where that becomes an issue which is unmanageable but what we are aware of is that the oxygen use in those hospitals is getting towards its capacity and therefore in theory it could become a constraint. There’s no alarm about a lack of oxygen at these hospitals at the moment but there’s a concern about trying to expand further.”

When will Hampshire residents get vaccinated?

Four mass vacciation centres will be launched across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the next few weeks.

The centres will be at the Oakley Road Hub in Southampton, St James Hospital in Portsmouth, The Riverside Centre on the Isle of Wight and Basingstoke Fire Station.

The facilities would be able to deliver up to 3,000 vaccines a day.

Other vaccination services are expected to go live at the University Health Centre in Southampton, Eastleigh Health Centre and Southsea Medical Centre in Portsmouth.

How to get a Covid vaccine?

The NHS will contact residents when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

Will there be a Nightingale field hospital in Hampshire?

The NHS said there are no plans for a Nightingale Hospital across the county. But the temporary mortuary in Basingstoke will remain in place.

What should residents do?

Health bosses in Hampshire have again urged residents to stay at home and “act as if you have the virus”.

Residents have also been urged to wash their hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds, wear a face covering and make sure they stay two metres apart from people.