Peterborough hospital chief's thoughts with COVID victims as tragic milestone is reached

The heartbreaking milestone of 400 coronavirus related deaths at Peterborough City Hospital was reached last week.

At the end of Thursday, the number stood at 404 deaths since March 24.

A third of all coronavirus patients treated at the hospital were treated in January, and across Peterborough, more deaths were recorded from the disease than any other month during the whole pandemic.

Dr Kanchan Rege, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and friends of the 400

individuals who have sadly lost their battle with COVID-19 at Peterborough City Hospital since the start of the pandemic last year.

“In the month of January we treated a third of our total number of inpatients with COVID-19– this is indicative of how much more severe this most recent wave of the virus has been felt by not just hospitals but those right across the country.

"I am incredibly grateful and proud of every member of staff who has continued to work tirelessly to provide our patients with the best possible care in the most challenging

of circumstances."

It is now hoped the peak has been passed - but medics are still under pressure to deal with large numbers of cases every day.

Dr Rege said: "“Infection rates across the UK are now past the peak but remain very high and this is similar to the trend we then see in our hospitals. We remain very cautious about the

immediate future in terms of cases in the community and hospital admissions, and ask that everyone continues to follow the government guidance."