April 21, 2020 2.58 pm This story is over 62 months old

Biggest spike of COVID-19 deaths in one day in Lincolnshire

Biggest rise so far
| Photo: Halfpoint / Adobe Stock

Greater Lincolnshire hospitals have recorded the highest number coronavirus deaths in 24 hours so far, as 13 more have been announced across the county.

Seven deaths were confirmed today (April 21) at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust and six at hospitals run by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.

It’s the biggest spike in deaths to date. Before now the highest number recorded was on April 12, when 12 deaths were recorded across the county.

Health bosses in Lincolnshire said, despite the increase, the county still had a low rate compared to neighbouring areas.

So far, all patients who tested positive for coronavirus and died in the county’s hospitals have had underlying health conditions.

Lincoln County Hospital. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A spokesperson for ULHT said: “Sadly we can confirm that seven further patients who were being cared for in our hospitals and had tested positive for COVID-19, have died.

“The patients were six men aged 63, 69, 71, 78 and two aged 88, and a woman aged 93. All had underlying health conditions.

“Their families have been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”

The figures mean that the total death toll stands at 124 in Greater Lincolnshire:

  • Lincolnshire – 83
  • Northern Lincolnshire – 41

Andrew Morgan, chief executive of United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

Meanwhile, Andrew Morgan, chief executive at ULHT, said despite the rise in deaths, the rate across the county remains low.

He added that the confirmed deaths are not always on a “day-by-day basis”.

“The death figures are not always on a one day period,” he said.

“We have to check that we’ve tested all the patients who have sadly died and that the families consent is given.

“So figures will vary from day-to-day but if you still look at the overall death rate for Lincolnshire it is still markedly lower than the rest of the country virtually.

“There’s only one or two places that have had fewer deaths than Lincolnshire.”

Nationally, NHS England confirmed that a further 778 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.

Patients were aged between 22 and 103 years old, 24 of them had no known underlying health conditions.

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