Huge Covid-19 death toll at our local NHS trust

FIGURE IS AMONG HIGHEST IN ENGLAND

THE NHS trust which runs the Royal Derby Hospital has the fourth highest number of Covid-19 deaths in England, according to the latest figures.

The University of Derby and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust had seen a total of 1,641 deaths of patients after they had a positive coronavirus test up to March 27.

Only three hospital trusts in England have seen more patients dying with Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.

However, the trust has successfully discharged more than 4,500 patients who were admitted with Covid-19.

Dr Magnus Harrison, executive medical director at the trust said: “The trust is a large organisation, serving a population of about one million people, delivering care on five main sites and others too. “It’s difficult to compare data between trusts as a comparison would need to account for population size, the prevalence of Covid19 in the community and the scale of the hospital trust. “We have seen large numbers of patients requiring hospital care and sadly our share of deaths too, including members of our trust family. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost a loved one.

“Our staff have worked tirelessly to care for our communities and it is thanks to their commitment that we have been able to discharge more than 4,500 patients who were admitted with Covid-19 either to their next place of care or home to their family and loved ones.

“This is a testament to the incredible efforts of my colleagues despite the challenges we have faced over the past 12 months.”

According to the latest daily figures from NHS England, University Hospitals Birmingham has seen the most Covid-19 deaths, with 2,582 recorded so far.

Mid and South Essex has had 2,356 deaths following a positive Covid-19 test, the second highest figure.

It’s difficult to compare data between trusts... it would need to account for population size

Dr Magnus Harrison