The number of critical care beds in Leicester has been trebled ahead of the next couple of weeks in the fight against coronavirus – described by health chiefs as "maybe the most challenging we have ever known".

Health bosses have penned a joint appeal to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ahead of the expected peak.

They warn that we are about to "enter an important phase in the battle against this disease" and said: "Locally, we expect cases to continue going up over the course of the next week or two as we approach anticipated peak demand on our critical care facilities."

The plea, put out by Andy Williams, chief executive of LLR's clinical commissioning groups, Rebecca Brown, acting chief executive of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Angela Hillery, chief executive of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, asks people to "continue to support us by staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives."

The group added: "We would like to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you, who, in the last few weeks, have united in the global fight against coronavirus by staying at home."

They also pay tribute to NHS staff.

"We salute our NHS staff and local partners for doing an incredible job in responding to this national emergency. We are determined to beat the threat of coronavirus and we have been working tirelessly to put in place the plans to deliver the care and support needed by patients.

"For example, tremendous work between the local NHS and its partners has helped transfer patients that are medically fit for discharge out of hospital and significantly increase the bed capacity available to us.

"We have also increased the number of critical care beds, used to care for the most seriously unwell patients, from a norm of around 50 to more than 150 – with the potential to increase that further depending on equipment availability."

Community services are also playing their part. According to the cohort, the number of hospital beds available in the community has increased from around 222 to close to 350."

GPs also get a mention with health bosses saying: "General practice has responded positively too, adapting to the challenging situation by introducing telephone triage and in some cases online consultations to continue meeting the needs of patients while minimising the risk of spreading coronavirus.

"These changes, as well as other temporary changes we have made, are all vital to save lives and protect NHS resources."

They sign off by saying: "All of us are adapting to changes in how we live, work and do everything we can to look after ourselves and each other. Social interaction is important as it is how we keep in touch and support one another, so do make use of technology, pick up the phone and have online chats with family, friends and colleagues wherever you can.

"The weeks ahead may be among the most challenging we have ever known. We are working incredibly hard to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be for the expected surge in demand.

"Please continue to play your part by staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives. Together, we will get through this."