Peterborough residents re-assured no major COVID-19 oubreak after error caused false spike in positive cases

The 60 positive cases were reported by Public Health England on Tuesday last week - when in the previous seven days there had been just 12 positive cases in Peterborough.

On Wednesday, the overall figure was adjusted, removing 58 of the positive tests.

Today Dr Kanchan Rege, Medical Director at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford Hospitals, said: “We have identified an error in the transmission of data between our pathology laboratory and the national results system, which recorded a batch of patient results being highlighted as positive for COVID-19, when they were in fact negative.

“The incorrect results were quickly identified and the data amended. The results were correctly reported to the patients involved in this issue, and the clinicians treating them. As a result, we can confirm there is no spike in positive COVID-19 data in our local area.

“We would like to reassure our patients that we pride ourselves on providing the best care and we are conducting a thorough investigation along with Public Health England who are also examining their own computer systems to understand how the error occurred and to ensure that there are no wider implications for other laboratories.”

Dean Ironmonger, from Public Health England’s (PHE) National Infection Service, said: “PHE noticed a data reporting error and has been working with the hospital to help put measures in place to prevent this happening again. The figures have been adjusted to reflect the correct numbers for Peterborough on the COVID dashboard. The incorrect figures have not affected the weekly infographic or surveillance report.

“We will carry out an audit of small number of hospital laboratories across the country that use a similar manual reporting process for COVID-19 test results so that the same situation does not occur.”

On Friday, Public Health England said there had been 442 positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Peterborough, up just three from Monday.

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive, for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I can confirm that sadly, 234 patients being cared for in our Trust have passed away since we began reporting Covid-19-related deaths. There have been 94 at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and 140 at Peterborough City Hospital. All patients were aged 30 to 98 years old and had pre-existing health conditions. They had all tested positive for Covid-19.

“In the same period we have also successfully discharged 465 patients from our hospitals who were treated for Covid-19 and who are now recovering.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”