HOSPITALS in the North-East and North Yorkshire have recorded a further 16 coronavirus patient deaths over a 24-hour period.

Figures published on Wednesday afternoon confirmed that a total of 1,535 people had now died in hospitals in the region since the outbreak began.

It comes as NHS England said a further 166 people who tested positive for Covid-19 died in hospitals across the country.

A spokesperson for NHS England said: "A further 166 people, who tested positive for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 25,079.

"Patients were aged between 33 and 99 years old.  Five of the 166 patients (aged between 54 and 70) had no known underlying health condition. Their families have been informed."

The total number of patient deaths recorded by each trust as of 5pm on Tuesday, May 19 are: 

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust – 217 was 215 

Gateshead Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust –128 was 126 

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – 182 was 181 

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust – 101 was 98

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – 220 was 217 

South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust – 311 was 310 

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – 109

York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – 195 was 193

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust – 58 was 56

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (mental health) –  7

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust (mental health) -   7

Total: 1,535 was 1,519 the day before.