THE Countess of Chester Hospital Trust has confirmed the latest number of patients who have recovered after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Standard can reveal that the trust – which covers both the Countess of Chester and Ellesmere Port hospital sites – has now discharged 186 people since the beginning of April.

We reported on April 30 that a total of 125 patients who tested positive for the virus had been discharged, meaning a further 61 people have made a recovery since the last update.

Meanwhile, the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust is today (May 12) celebrating International Nurses’ Day – marking 200 years since Florence Nightingale was born.

Director of Nursing & Quality/Deputy Chief Executive Alison Kelly has paid tribute to the "extraordinary contribution" nurses make.

She said: "Particularly at this time, I recognise our nurses are dealing with very stressful situations, being the one holding a patient's hand in their last hours of life and having difficult conversations with their loved ones.

"Yet throughout all of this, nurses remain resilient and professional in ensuring the best possible care is delivered to every patient. A famous quote from Florence was ‘No matter how difficult the days may get, never forget the reason you became a nurse’.

"Today is an opportunity to stop and reflect on this.

"To nationally recognise the extraordinary work that all nurses and midwives are doing in the fight against coronavirus, the country is asked to ‘shine a light’ to mark International Nurses’ Day this evening at 8.30pm.

"Activity planned locally to mark the day includes the lighting up of Chester’s famous Eastgate Clock. Please join the nation and shine a light in memory of the famous Lady of the Lamp."