BRADFORD Royal Infirmary is "strongly encouraging" people to take steps to stop the spread of Covid-19 after one disgruntled visitor branded the A&E waiting area a "breeding ground" for the virus.

With Covid rates rising across the district, BRI bosses reiterated their request for people attending the hospital to wear a mask, use the alcohol gel provided, and keep a safe distance from other people when possible.

But one visitor, who described himself as high-risk, said he felt the measures weren't having the desired effect, calling the A&E department a ‘Covid breeding ground.’

The leukemia patient, who went to visit his wife at BRI on Wednesday evening, said: “Hardly anyone in the waiting room was wearing a mask, and when you think about it, people in A&E are vulnerable people, they wouldn’t be there otherwise.

“Not a single seat was empty and there were patients and family members stood around the room.

“People were fully packed into the chairs, shoulder to shoulder.

“I saw this and limited the amount of time I spent in the waiting room because I didn’t want to catch covid.

“Ventilation was very poor.

 “It was stuffy, clammy and I really could not see open doors and windows  

“It’s a shambles really.”

He asked reception workers about the lack of face masks and said he was told that they couldn’t challenge people as they may be exempt on medical grounds.

“There are signs everywhere that say all those visiting or coming into the hospital should be wearing masks, so why aren’t they following the rules?"

As he felt unsafe in the waiting room, he decided to stand outside the A&E department for two hours.

“It’s really sad, that they have this small green space and there’s not even a bench for someone to sit and wait. If the weather’s decent, people can sit and wait outside, rather than cramping everyone inside,” he suggested.

Covid figures across the district are rising with the latest stats showing the seven-day rolling Covid-19 infection rate for Bradford District is 171.4 cases per 100,000 with on average 132 confirmed cases per day.

Karen Dawber, Chief Nurse, said: “The number of Covid-19 cases is rising and it’s crucial we continue to help protect our patients, visitors, and colleagues.

“All visitors and individuals accompanying patients to appointments or the emergency department are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, use the alcohol gel provided on entering and leaving, and keep a safe distance from other people where this is possible.

“All our staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and PPE is available for members of the public if required.”