Coronavirus deaths at KGH and NGH trusts among highest in England

In the last two weeks, NGH and KGH appear to have recorded more deaths than any other single hospital sites in England
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In the last fortnight, KGH and NGH appear to have confirmed more deaths linked to coronavirus than any other hospital in England.

In the period of time between Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 27, Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust confirmed 34 deaths and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust recorded 33 deaths.

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Both trusts operate a single hospital, KGH and NGH, respectively.

KGH and NGH are reporting a high number of deaths from Covid-19KGH and NGH are reporting a high number of deaths from Covid-19
KGH and NGH are reporting a high number of deaths from Covid-19

Seven hospital trusts recorded more deaths over the same period, but all of these trusts operate three or more hospitals. The highest total was at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, which confirmed 56 deaths across its five hospitals.

If the confirmed deaths for these seven trusts are shared between their sites, then KGH could have the highest number of coronavirus deaths at a single site in England over the last two weeks, closely followed by NGH.

In the same two week period, 64 trusts reported no new coronavirus deaths. Yesterday (Wednesday), only three trusts announced more deaths than KGH.

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Lucy Wightman, director of public health for Northamptonshire, said: "Locally we are continuing to see new cases, hospitalisations and, sadly, deaths from COVID-19.

The total number of deaths at NGH and KGH keeps rising with no significant slow-downThe total number of deaths at NGH and KGH keeps rising with no significant slow-down
The total number of deaths at NGH and KGH keeps rising with no significant slow-down

"Every single death means the loss of a loved one and our thoughts and sympathies are with all those in our county who have lost friends or family members as a result of this virus."

There have been more than 550 deaths from coronavirus in Northamptonshire. At NGH, 246 patients have sadly died, there have been 188 deaths at KGH and 119 care home residents have died.

Graphs tracking the number of deaths in Northamptonshire's hospitals show the numbers continue to rise with no significant slow down.

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A column chart shows there have been more than or just under 20 deaths a week at KGH since mid April. At NGH, the weekly totals have declined following a peak of 47 deaths in the week ending April 17.

There has been more than or just under 20 deaths at KGH every week since mid AprilThere has been more than or just under 20 deaths at KGH every week since mid April
There has been more than or just under 20 deaths at KGH every week since mid April

In a statement from May 27, KGH's medical director, Professor Andrew Chilton, said: "While it is fair to say that overall, so far, our COVID-19 deaths have not yet followed the national picture of decline, which is largely influenced by London and the West Midlands, which were first hit and hardest hit.

"This suggests the local situation is still settling.

"People should recognise the situation locally is still a serious one and it should not be underestimated."

NGH's chief operating officer and deputy chief executive, Deborah Needham, said: "The picture at Northampton General Hospital is very similar to the one at Kettering General Hospital, and in Northamptonshire as a whole."

NGH recorded a peak of 47 deaths in the week ending April 17NGH recorded a peak of 47 deaths in the week ending April 17
NGH recorded a peak of 47 deaths in the week ending April 17
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At a board meeting on Friday, May 29, Prof Chilton, said: "We are having a steady continuation of admissions within Northamptonshire at the moment. This suggests that hopefully we will be going on a downward trajectory in the not-too-distant future."

However, Kettering was identified as a possible emerging hotspot for Covid-19 last week after a surge in new cases. The local authority had the 13th highest rate of new cases in England over a two week period.

There are now 1,542 confirmed cases in Northamptonshire.

At KGH's board meeting last Friday, Prof Andrew Chilton revealed the hospital continues to treat more than 100 patients, an increase from the 65 inpatients and eight ICU patients on April 20.

Prof Chilton told the board: "We are having a steady continuation of admissions within Northamptonshire at the moment. This suggests that hopefully we will be going on a downward trajectory in the not-too-distant future.

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"The pandemic is still out there. The national position will be influenced by the big cities."

Due to the ongoing situation in Northamptonshire, the county's director of public health added: "“The people of Northamptonshire have been fantastic in the way that they have embraced social distancing and followed government and health advice so far during the pandemic – but it’s clear that we all must remain focused on playing our own part to stop the spread of coronavirus. Please stay at home as much as possible and limit contact with other people where it is necessary to go out, including remaining at least two metres away from people outside your own household and continue to wash your hands regularly.

"It’s also important to remember that the NHS is still here for all those who need it. Even if you are shielding or isolating at home, please contact your GP or use the NHS 111 service if you need help for your physical or mental health."

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