JUST four Covid patients were admitted to University Hospitals Dorset sites over the most recent weekly reporting period, according to NHS data.

Figures released by NHS England show that in the seven days to April 4, the UHD Trust, which runs Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole hospitals, had one coronavirus patient admission on March 30 and April 4, respectively, with two on April 1.

This total matched the admissions for the previous week.

As of April 6, UHD was treating five Covid patients, but none required mechanical ventilation.

The situation in the hospital has improved significantly over the past two months.

On February 6, 213 beds at UHD's sites were occupied with coronavirus patients. By March 6, this figure had fallen to 23 and continued to drop in recent weeks.

There have been less than 10 Covid patients in beds across UHD since March 20, although the trust has not been Covid zero in relation to patients since September 11, 2020.

On the current situation, Dr Alyson O’Donnell, UHD's chief medical officer, said: "Whilst we are seeing positive progress regarding the number of Covid patients in our hospitals, it is important that the public continues to play their vital role.

“By observing the latest guidance the public can help us maintain hospital capacity for those who continue to need our care.”