Deaths double in the North East - with fears the crisis is leading to avoidable loss of life

More than twice as many people died in the North East earlier this month than would be expected in a normal year.

According to the latest figures, 1,155 people lost their lives in the region in the third week of April 2020 – of these, COVID-19 was considered a factor in 475 cases.

The findings mean the number of coronavirus-related fatalities in the North East for the week ending April 17 was higher than the total number of deaths recorded for the equivalent week last year (2019).

The data has been compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which showed a similar picture across the country, with the virus attributable to roughly two in every five deaths.

Analysis of statistics from previous years suggests the North East should have expected about 540 deaths in the week ending April 17.

However, the evidence so far suggests COVID-19 cannot be considered a direct cause of every extra fatality, prompting concerns the virus outbreak and lockdown could be delaying treatment or diagnosis of other life-threatening conditions.

Alternative figures from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have highlighted the numbers of deaths in care homes, which is said stood at 4,343 on Friday April 24.

Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, highlighted the plight of care workers who lack appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

He added: “Social care is now the frontline in the fight against coronavirus and we need to do all we can to shield people in care homes and those receiving care in their own homes.

“It is urgent that the Government’s online PPE ordering system is fully rolled out as soon as possible, so that councils and care providers can directly request that critical protective equipment gets to those who desperately need it.

“This has to be alongside an increase in rapid and comprehensive testing and in other kinds of support to care homes, such as staffing and equipment, on an equal footing with the NHS.

“Councils stand ready to play their part in this and are already doing so in many places.”

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