Michael Wilson CBE, chief executive of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said:
“Sadly, we can confirm that in recent days, seven patients aged between 70 and 98 who were being cared for at East Surrey Hospital and had tested positive for COVID-19, have sadly died.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with their families at this difficult and distressing time.”
ENDS
•The trust, DHSC, NHS England and NHS Improvement will not be giving out any further information.•The media are asked to respect the wishes of the families, and the interests of staff at the hospital to avoid any disruption to operational services.