Royal Melbourne Hospital has bolstered its COVID-19 defences as staff care for an unprecedented number of critically-ill patients.

For the first time, the Royal Melbourne Hospital has activated its ‘pandemic mode’, which allows it to treat more people critically-ill with COVID-19.

There are currently 11 infected patients in intensive care at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and eight of them are on ventilators.

Across the state, a total of 21 coronavirus patients are in intensive care, and 14 are on ventilators.

Royal Melbourne Hospital ICU Director Professor Chris MacIsaac says none of the people in intensive care with COVID-19 are fully vaccinated.

The hospital has been preparing for even more cases as the delta variant spreads through the community.

There’s now increased patient testing, masks have been upgraded and face shields must now be worn by clinical staff.