The total number of Covid-19 related deaths at Salisbury District Hospital since the pandemic began has almost reached 150, after five more fatalities.

Five patients who tested positive for coronavirus passed away on Saturday (January 23), the hospital has confirmed.

The news continues the deadliest period of the crisis for the hospital.

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All the patients who died on Saturday had underlying health conditions, the hospital said in a statement.

Three men - all in their 70s - and two women, one in her 90s and one in her 80s, died.

There were also five deaths at the hospital on Friday.

Since the pandemic began, 146 patients with Covid have now passed away at the city's hospital.

The new tragic figures came in a week in which the BBC's Newsnight programme went behind the scenes at the hospital's intensive care unit.

Footage shown on the show revealed the pressure felt by staff and the heartbreaking difficulties facing seriously ill patients.

Elsewhere, the hospital has confirmed access has been cleared after snow on Sunday. It is safe and passable to access the hospital.

Do you have a coronavirus story to tell - be it someone to pay tribute to, or someone to thank? Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk.

If you're affected by this story or a bereavement you can talk to Samaritans by calling 116 123.

Salisbury District Hospital statement in full

The hospital said:

"Sadly, we can confirm that another five patients who had been cared for at Salisbury District Hospital and had tested positive for COVID-19 have died. 

"Three men and two women.

"The three men were in their 70s.

"One woman was in her 90s and one woman was in her 80s. 

"They all died on January 23, 2021.

"All patients had underlying health conditions.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the all the patients’ families and loved ones at this very difficult and distressing time.

"The total number of patients that have died at Salisbury District Hospital after receiving a COVID-19 positive test result is now 146."

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