OFFICIAL figures show 172 people have now died with coronavirus at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

The rising death toll at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has been confirmed in latest stats from NHS England, published today (Monday April 20).

A statement from the trust's chief executive Diane Wake says: "The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is currently treating patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

"Sadly, patients being cared for at our hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, have died.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of those patients at this very difficult and distressing time."

A total of 586 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Dudley, while 758 people in the neighbouring borough of Sandwell have tested positive for COVID-19 and 245 patients with the virus have died at hospitals run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.

Have you lost a loved one to coronavirus at Russells Hall Hospital or Sandwell Hospital? Email bev.holder@stourbridgenews.co.uk if you'd like to pay tribute to your family member or friend - or if you wish to share your story with us.