HUNDREDS of patients are believed to have contracted Covid at the trust which runs Colchester Hospital, new figures suggest.

An analysis of NHS England data shows between August 1 and March 21, 481 people were thought to have been infected with Covid-19 at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, while being treated in hospital for other conditions.

The highest number of such transmissions was recorded in January when 171 people were believed to have been infected in hospital.

The trust cared for 3,106 Covid patients between August 1 and March 21 – meaning 15 per cent are thought to have contracted the disease in hospital.

This is below the 17 per cent average for all NHS acute trusts across the East of England.

Across England, 40,670 people are thought to have been infected with Covid-19 in hospital since August – 15 per cent of all inpatients with the disease.

Nick Hulme, chief executive of the trust, said: “The number of coronavirus cases in our hospitals continues to go down, although we are still seeing a small number of new admissions every day.

“It’s important we all remember not to become complacent.

“We still need to follow the rules, including Hands. Face. Space – especially now we’re able to see family and friends again outdoors in groups of six or as two households – to stop the spread of the virus.

“I’d encourage everyone to enjoy the bank holiday weekend safely and if you need us, the best way to support the NHS is to use services appropriately.

“If you think you need A&E, but it’s not an emergency do call NHS 111 first, or contact your local pharmacy for help with minor or routine problems.

Gazette:

“It’s important that anyone with concerns about their health continues to come forward for help and treatment.”

Colchester’s infection rate now stands at 39 cases per 100,000 people, down from 44.2 earlier this week.

But, the infection rate for Tendring has risen from 60.7 cases per 100,000 people to 67.5.

An NHS spokesman added: “Since asymptomatic tests kits were made available for the first time by the Government’s Test and Trace programme in November, millions of staff have been tested helping to keep infections as low as possible.

“All staff have been asked to rigorously follow Public Health England’s infection control guidance with hospital infection rates currently standing at around 4.2 per cent.”