A TOTAL of 30 patients being treated for coronavirus at Russells Hall Hospital have now died.

Dudley hospital chiefs confirmed today (March 31) that a further four patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away.

The patients were aged between 57 and 88-years-old and all had underlying health conditions.

Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said in a statement: "The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is currently treating patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

"Sadly, we can confirm that 30 patients being cared for at our hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, have died. Four of those have been announced today.

"The patients were aged between 57 and 88 years old and all four patients had underlying health conditions.

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

The national death toll stands at 1,789 as of March 31, according to latest figures published by Public Health England, and 25,150 people nationally have tested positive for coronavirus.