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

At the last count 51 deaths had been confirmed at the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust but that has now risen to 57.

According to the data from NHS England the six deaths were recorded across three days at the trust.

Two occurred on Saturday, one on Sunday and three on Monday.

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

Nick Hulme, Chief Executive for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said:  “We can confirm that four patients in their 90s, all of whom had underlying health conditions, have sadly passed away at Colchester Hospital.

"Two patients have sadly passed away at Ipswich Hospital, one was in their 90s and the other in their 50s and both had underlying health conditions. They had all tested positive for COVID-19.  

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patients’ families 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 296 deaths at the trusts which serve Essex.

Elsewhere in Essex, 81 people have died at Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Harlow, while 46 have died at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

At Basildon Hospital, 62 people with the virus have died, while 43 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 828 people, who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 6,483.

The patients were aged between 22 and 103 years old.

Of those 46 had no known underlying health condition.

Their families have been informed.