Deaths in Luton skyrocketed 114% in April as coronavirus took hold, figures reveal

The British Medical Association (BMA) says the “true devastation wrought by COVID-19” is starting to become clear through excess mortality rates.

Office for National Statistics figures show 314 deaths were recorded in Luton during April.

That was 167 more than the 147 recorded in April 2019 – a year-on-year increase of 114%.

This spike was higher than the average rise across the East of England's 45 local authorities, where death counts increased by 90%.

Health experts analysing the response to the coronavirus crisis have long argued that excess mortality figures will be the most accurate measure of the overall impact.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA council, said the figures showed the “widespread and tragic” impact the crisis is having on the population.

She said: “The response of the health service to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis has been nothing short of remarkable, but because the NHS was severely overstretched prior to the pandemic, this could only be achieved by diverting resources away from other areas of care.

“As such, many non-Covid patients have been unable to access treatments or have been deterred from attending hospital or contacting their GP practice.

“Consequently, as many ill patients are not getting the care they so desperately need, their conditions are worsening, with some maybe even dying as a result.”

She added that the NHS must have the resources it needs to cope with an expected increase in demand for routine care in the coming months.