A FURTHER eight people have died after contracting coronavirus at the trust which runs Colchester Hospital, new figures have shown.

At the last count 43 deaths had been confirmed at the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust but that has now risen to 51.

According to the data from NHS England there have been 16 deaths recorded at the trust since last Thursday.

As yet there are no new deaths recorded for Monday, the most recent data available.

Nick Hulme, chief executive for the trust, said: “We can confirm that sadly, six patients, two in their 90’s, three in their 80’s and one in their 70’s, all of whom had underlying health conditions, have passed away at Colchester Hospital.

"Two patients have passed away at Ipswich Hospital, both were in their 80’s and had underlying health conditions.

"They had all tested positive for COVID-19.  

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients family and loved ones at this difficult time.”  

The totals reported each day may not include all deaths which occurred on that day or on recent prior days due to the time it takes for figures to be reported.

In total there have now been 261 deaths at the trusts which serve Essex.

Elsewhere in Essex, 69 people have died at Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Harlow, while 41 have died at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

At Basildon Hospital, 61 people with the virus have died, while 32 have lost their lives at Southend Hospital.

At the Essex Partnership Trust, which runs mental health services in the county, seven patients with Covid-19 have died.

A further 758 people, who tested positive for the Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 5,655.

Patients were aged between 23 and 102 years old and 29 had no known underlying health condition.

Their families have been informed.