GREAT Western Hospital has seen such a steep rise in coronavirus cases this week that the chief executive has warned bed availability is becoming increasingly precarious.

On Monday Kevin McNamara posted a video on Twitter saying they are looking after more patients with Covid-19 now than they were in the first peak in April.

Today he tweeted: “Since this update on Monday we’ve continued to see a steep rise in the number of patients we are caring for with Covid and suspected Covid cases. Now 35 percent higher since the start of the week with limited signs of slowing. “

He warned: “This means bed availability is increasingly precarious now and in the days ahead.”

He said earlier this week that the hospital might have to cancel non-urgent treatment if the increase continues.  

It comes as almost 200 deaths have been confirmed at the hospital since the start of the pandemic.