King's Lynn hospital coronavirus patient discharges pass 100 mark

The number of coronavirus patients who have been discharged from Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital has now passed 100, officials said this morning.

A further 18 have now left the hospital's care since its last update was issued earlier this week, taking the total to 109 since the crisis began.

But officials have warned the public not to become complacent despite the milestone.

Since the crisis began last month, the hospital has been operating a specific pandemic response plan, including separate emergency units for patients with and without the virus, increased critical care capacity and an increase in video consultations.

Chief operating officer Denise Smith said: “Each recovery is an enormous boost for all of us here at QEH and I’m sure it is just as important for our local community.

"This doesn’t mean we should be complacent though, we need everyone to carry on observing social distancing and good hand hygiene.

"This will help slow the spread of COVID-19 so hospitals can carry on providing the best care for all our patients. Our message is still very much: Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.”

Sixty-four QEH patients are known to have died after contracting the virus. Updated figures are due to be published by NHS England later today.

The hospital's coronavirus hotline remains open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays on 01553 214545.