A dozen children under five among nearly 850 Covid-19 patients in 142 days at Northampton General Hospital

NHS staff on the Covid-19 front line Northampton General Hospital dealt with nearly 850 patients during 142 days of the pandemic — including a dozen youngsters under five-years-old.

Health Service figures revealed 844 patients were either admitted to NGH between March 20 and August 9 after testing positive for the killer bug or diagnosed at the hospital.

According to NHS England, around 60 per cent, 533 people, eventually recovered.

Daily bulletins issued throughout the coronavirus crisis have listed 311 deaths at the hospital among patients who tested positive for coronavirus.

At the peak of the pandemic, 41 patients were taken into NGH during a seven-day stretch from April 4. On April 8, the hospital had 12 patients needing ventilators in intensive care.

Getting detailed figures is difficult since different parts of the NHS use different methods of reporting coronavirus cases.

Public Health officials recently revealed hospital staff are currently dealing with one Covid-19 patient despite the recent spike in cases in the town.

Large numbers of Northamptonshire's elderly and vulnerable residents were most affected by the virus during the early weeks of the pandemic.

NHS England data reveals 560 of the Covid-19 patients in hospital were over-65s of which 406 eventually recovered well enough to go home.

But recent figures have shown those in their 20s and 30s are currently producing most positive tests.

Mr Matthew Metcalfe, medical director at NGH, said, ‘We’re pleased to see the number of Covid-19 cases are now reducing in the hospital.

"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all our staff and volunteers for their ongoing commitment and hard work during this challenging time. The support from our local community has been truly overwhelming; each and every act and message of goodwill and kindness we’ve received has meant a great deal and very much appreciated.’

"However, it is essential that, as schools and workplaces re-open everyone in our community remains vigilant. Just as we are encouraging our staff to follow local and national guidance about social distancing, hand washing, social events, using public transport and car sharing, I would encourage everyone outside the hospital to do the same.

"We know that people are still testing positive in the county and, by following the guidance, everyone can help reduce the spread of the virus."

■ An earlier version of this story contained some different data gathered from other NHS sources.