WINCHESTER people have been given hope from health professionals as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

The Chronicle can reveal that 77 coronavirus patients have been discharged after receiving care at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

Figures from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs the city hospital, shared the good news that as of Tuesday morning 207 people have been released across the trust – the majority of those from Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital – after successful treatment for Covid-19.

Chief nurse Julie Dawes said: “Most people will develop mild symptoms, but for those who require greater care, our incredible staff are working tirelessly to look after these patients.

“Thanks to the care and dedication of our entire team, over 200 patients have already been discharged from our hospitals.

“It is really encouraging to see patients return home after testing positive for coronavirus, and a testament to our wonderful team at Hampshire Hospitals.”

Yesterday (Wednesday) it was announced that the number of hospital deaths in Hampshire of those who tested positive for coronavirus has risen to 386.

Since Tuesday, 11 people who had the virus across the region have lost their lives.

This includes statistics covering the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

A total of 109 people have now died under the care of UHS, which has seen no increase since Tuesday.

While 98 people have died at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which handles Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Alton Community Hospital. This saw no rise.

But Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, has recorded 169 deaths, an increase of 11 since Tuesday.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust still has a total of ten deaths, with no deaths since Friday.

Across the UK, 16,272 patients have died after testing positive for coronavirus.

The rising figure has sparked a plea from Ms Dawes for the public to follow Government guidelines.

She said: “We are asking the local community to do their bit to help their local NHS by continuing to following national guidance and only leave home for essential journeys.”