Two Craigavon area hospital patients die after testing positive for coronavirus

Two patients at Craigavon Hospital have died after testing positive for coronavirus.

A third patient, who had been discharged, also tested positive and died, although the virus was not the primary cause of death.

In a statement they said: "We are profoundly sorry about these deaths and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have passed away."

"A third patient who had been treated on the Haematology Ward was discharged home and has since sadly passed away with a Covid-19 positive diagnosis, but this was not the primary cause of death."

The total number of patients connected to the Haematology Ward at Craigavon Area Hospital who have tested positive remains at 14.

Seventeen members of staff have tested positive and are currently off work and are self-isolating.

A total of 42 staff members have been identified as potential contacts and are currently self-isolating.

The ward remains closed to new admissions.

The Trust said there are no further cases of the virus in the Emergency Department, which it described as operating as normal.

On Ward 3 South, two members of staff and one patient have tested positive, while 14 staff members are currently self-isolating.

In total, there are currently 56 staff who are connected with clusters at Craigavon Area Hospital who are off work and self-isolating.

The Southern Trust said: "There are other staff across the Trust self-isolating, and these are a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff.

"This will generally relate to family/social contacts where guidelines require a period of 14-day self-isolation.

"This has been ongoing since the start of the pandemic and we expect will continue throughout the winter."

Health Minister Robin Swann has described the news of the deaths of two patients at Craigavon Hospital as "extremely distressing and disturbing."

"My deepest sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have passed away," he said.

"The Southern Trust has made clear that a detailed investigation is ongoing following the clusters at the hospital.

"This situation demands a thorough and expeditious investigation. Patients and bereaved families are entitled to answers.

"I will continue to closely monitor the management of these clusters and will be receiving updates from the trust."

Our correspondent Sharon O'Neill has been speaking to one woman who wants to know how her father managed to contract the virus at the hospital, just days before he was due to go home.

• Watch report here