Covid-19 Death Toll at Local Hospitals Rises to Fifty
Wandsworth borough has fifth highest fatality rate in London
New Intensive Care Unit. Picture: St George's Trust
Another 14 people have died of coronavirus at St George’s Hospital Trust, in Wandsworth, bringing the total number of deaths to 50.
The latest figures were released by NHS England Tuesday afternoon (31 March).
It is understood that these figures are those that were made available to the government between 5pm on Sunday, March 29, and 5pm Monday, March 30.
This does not mean that the deceased past away in this 24 hour period, and deaths may have occurred earlier in the week.
For St George’s, they cover the period March 26 to March 29.
Previous deaths announced by NHS England and future deaths announced may also fall on the same above dates – confirmation of a death may be delayed so further tests can be carried out and/or notifying family members.
Across England a further 367 who tested positive for the virus have died bringing the total reported to 1,651.
Across the country the patients were aged between 19 and 98-years-old with just 28 of the 367 not having underlying health conditions.
A statement on St George’s Trust’s website said: “Our thoughts are with the families of the patients affected – and, in all cases, we would ask that their privacy is respected at this time.
“As of Tuesday 31 March 2020, 50 patients who have sadly died at St George’s have tested positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19).”
Latest available data indicates that 337 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Wandsworth.
This is the fifth highest in London, behind Lambeth, Southwark, Brent and Croydon.
However, the overall number is likely to be higher with experts saying that for every one death, there could be 1,000 cases.
This week the team at St George’s posted images on Twitter of transformed wards and departments equipped for the demand in cases and treating the most seriously ill patients.
The tweet said: “Although exhausting, it has been both inspiring and moving. Staff are working so hard and the support has been amazing.”
The trust has also announced a thank you appeal to support staff.
Funds raised will be used to provide accommodation for key staff, buy equipment and supplies, plus fund mental health support and welfare initiatives now and over the coming weeks and months.
Visit the dedicated JustGiving page to donate. Funds can be donated anonymously and you can add a message with your donation.
In light of new government guidance on non-essential travel, the hospital has asked that members of the public do not come in to the hospital with physical donations without contacting them first
You can donate non-perishable items by arranging a delivery by emailing giving@stgeorges.nhs.uk or calling 0208 725 4522 or 07769312840 between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday only.
The trust is also working on co-ordinating how it can best make use of the number of people who have contacted the hospital offering to volunteer.
Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter
April 1, 2020