THERE have been 12 further coronavirus deaths confirmed in Sussex hospitals overnight.

But NHS data released today showed that no deaths have been recorded at hospitals operated by the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which includes the Royal Sussex County Hospital, since April 22.

There have been 96 deaths confirmed at the trust's sites.

The total for the Western Sussex Hospitals Foundation Trust, which has sites in Chichester, Worthing and Shoreham, had the greatest overnight increase with five more deaths of coronavirus patients confirmed.

There have now been 189 deaths at hospitals run by the trust.

There were also four deaths reported by the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which operates hospitals in Eastbourne, Bexhill, Rye and St Leonards, with its total rising to 61.

There were two deaths at hospitals operated by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which operates hospitals supporting the Crawley and Horsham areas as well as parts of East Surrey.

There have now been 189 deaths recorded by the trust.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, which provides care across the county, recorded one further death - taking its total to 14.

Meanwhile, Public Health England data released today showed the total number of cases had increased overnight in all areas of Sussex.

West Sussex saw the greatest increase of 36, reaching a total of 1,083 confirmed coronavirus patients since the outbreak of the illness in the UK.

The figure for East Sussex rose by 31, reaching 552, while the Brighton and Hove figure climbed to 354 - an overnight rise of six.

There have now been 1,989 in the county overall.

Nationally, there have been 818,539 people tested for coronavirus with 165,221 patients being confirmed as having contracted the illness.

A total of 26,097 people have died in hospitals after being diagnosed with coronavirus as of 5pm on Tuesday.

This marked an increase of 765 in 24 hours.

  • 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