Deaths in Black Country and Staffordshire doubled in April compared to last year

The British Medical Association says the “true devastation wrought by Covid-19” is starting to become clear, after official statistics showed deaths across England and Wales doubled last month.

Office for National Statistics figures show around 2,500 deaths were recorded in the Black Country and Staffordshire during April.

This was more than double than that in April 2019.

Figures show 502 deaths were recorded in Wolverhampton during April this year – 308 more than the 194 recorded in April 2019 – 159 per cent more.

That was one of the biggest increases among West Midlands's seven local authorities.

In Sandwell 566 deaths were recorded – 318 more than the 248 the year previous – 128 per cent more.

Over in Walsall it was 561 – an increase of 343 than the 218 recorded in April 2019 – 157 per cent.

And in Dudley it was 566. That was 290 more than the 276 recorded in April 2019 – or 105 per cent more.

In Staffordshire, figures were recorded for Cannock Chase and Stafford.

In Cannock Chase 136 deaths were recorded in April this year – compared to the 63 – 73 more – recorded in April 2019 – 116 per cent increase.

And in Stafford it was 202 – which is 82 more than the 120 recorded in April last year – 68 per cent more.

Ministers and health experts leading the public response to the coronavirus crisis have consistently said excess mortality figures will be the most accurate measure of the overall impact.

Across England and Wales, the April death toll rose by more than 44,000 in April, climbing from 44,123 in 2019 to 88,153 this year.

The figures include all deaths, not just those directly attributed to Covid-19.

Separate data from the ONS shows there had been 35,597 deaths in England and Wales where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate as of May 1.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA council, said the figures showed the “widespread and tragic” impact the crisis is having on the population, which is extending far beyond the direct effects of the virus.

She said: “The response of the health service to adapt to the Covid crisis has been nothing short of remarkable, but because the NHS was severely overstretched prior to the pandemic, this could only be achieved by diverting resources away from other areas of care.

“As such, many non-Covid patients have been unable to access treatments or have been deterred from attending hospital or contacting their GP practice.

“Consequently, as many ill patients are not getting the care they so desperately need, their conditions are worsening, with some maybe even dying as a result.”

She added that the NHS must have the resources it needs to cope with an expected increase in demand for routine care in the coming months.

The Local Government Association says councils have stepped up to cope with the surge in deaths and subsequent funerals, but echoed calls for funding to be provided for the long haul.