Two more deaths connected to Covid-19 impacted ward in Craigavon Hospital

It brings the total of Covid-19 related deaths on the ward to six.

In an update from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust this afternoon (Friday, September 18) it was reported: “The total number of patients connected to the Haematology Ward at Craigavon Area Hospital who have tested positive remains at 14.

“Sadly six patients who had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 have passed away.”

It’s understood the additional two patients passed away in recent days.

In all 23 members of staff have tested positive.

There are 45 staff members have been identified as potential contacts and are currently self-isolating.

At Daisy Hill Hospital Male Medical Ward, 11 patients connected to the ward have tested positive for Covid-19 and 21 staff have tested positive. There are 67 staff contacts currently off and self-isolating.

Three patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 have sadly passed away.

The Trust reported: “Two staff members who tested positive are connected to theatres in Daisy Hill. Due to the impact on staffing, some elective surgery lists at the start of next week will be postponed.”

Trust Chief Executive, Mr Shane Devlin said: “On behalf of all our staff, we pass on our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of patients who have passed away.

“Our immediate priority is to manage the serious impact of Covid-19 in our community and in our facilities.

“We have sought independent advice from both the NI Public Health Agency and Public Health England to make sure that our management is of the highest standard and we are sharing our learning with other Trusts across Northern Ireland.”

Visiting remains suspended to all Trust facilities.

Health Minister Robin Swann, earlier this month, announced a Serious Adverse Incident investigation at Craigavon Hospital following the revelation there were three separate clusters of the illness at the hospital.