Two new coronavirus deaths in Birmingham hospitals
Two new coronavirus deaths have been reported in hospitals in Birmingham.
It means the death toll at hospitals in the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire has increased to 2,568, in the latest figures.
It is the first coronavirus hospital deaths to be confirmed in the region in a week.
A further 697 have died in care homes in the region, according to the latest data by the Office for National Statistics since April 10 and up to September 4.
It comes as eight people across England who tested positive for the virus in hospitals have died – bringing the death toll to 29,639. The UK-wide total is set to be announced later.
The two deaths were confirmed at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Queen Elizabeth Hospital and three other hospitals in Birmingham, in today's latest figures.
The deaths occurred on September 7 and September 8, according to NHS England.
A total of 288 people have died at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross and Cannock Chase hospitals, and 230 people have died at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust which runs Walsall Manor.
A total of 264 Covid-19 patients have died at Russells Hall Hospital, run by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, and 383 people have died at the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs Sandwell General and City hospitals.
In Staffordshire, 355 people have died at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust which runs the major hospitals in Stafford and Stoke.
A spokesman for NHS England said: "A further eight people, who tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,639.
"Patients were aged between 39 and 93 years old. All but one had known underlying health conditions.
"Date of death ranges from September 4 to September 9, 2020.
"Their families have been informed."
