Leighton Hospital patient with COVID-19 has died

A Leighton Hospital patient who tested positive for COVID-19 has died, the hospital trust confirmed today.

The man, who was in his 60s, had underlying health conditions.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Foundation Trust Chief Executive, James Sumner said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Leighton Hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.

“The patient, who died yesterday, was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions.

“His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “It is with great sadness that today we have been informed that a man who had tested positive for Covid-19, who was being cared for at Leighton Hospital, has died.

“The patient, who died yesterday, was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions.

“His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.

“I would like to reassure everyone who lives and works in the borough that the council is working with its partners to ensure the protection of the public to the best of our ability and to defeat this virus over time.

“Cheshire East Council continues to work closely with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England to ensure we have the very latest advice and that best practice is adhered to.

“We are working closely with partners in the NHS to ensure the most vulnerable people are protected.

“We are committed to ensuring that people have clear and up-to-date information to enable them to make the most informed decisions for themselves and their families.

“Advice on how people can protect themselves can be found online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

“Prevention is always better than cure, so, as with the flu virus, the most effective way for people to protect themselves from Covid-19 is to adopt good respiratory and hand hygiene to prevent the risk of infection and a ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to coughs and sneezes.

“People are also advised to avoid contact with anyone who is unwell and showing symptoms of coronavirus.

“As the situation develops guidance is updated daily.

“If you are experiencing symptoms including a high temperature and a new, continuous cough please stay at home for seven days.

“Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home – testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.”

It’s believed to be the first death from Coronavirus in Cheshire East, as the numbers diagnosed with the illness continue to rise.

A man in his 80s also died in Chester at the weekend after testing positive for COVID-19.