A THIRD patient has died of coronavirus in Sussex.

Sussex Community Foundation Trust reported one death today, as a further 83 people died from Covid-19 nationally.

All patients including the Sussex case were in "vulnerable groups", NHS England said.

The total number of confirmed deaths in the UK is now 422.

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The patient, who was 82, is the third to die in Sussex during the pandemic.

Two patients died of coronavirus in Eastbourne General Hospital last week.

Dr Sara Lightowlers, Medical Director for Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at The Kleinwort Centre, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.

“The patient, who died on 23 March 2020, was aged 82 and had underlying health conditions.

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

Sussex Community Foundation Trust provides community care across the county.

Its headquarters are in Brighton General Hospital.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund