Sign up to our newsletter for the latest Sunderland news Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

These images show the temporary mortuary wagons which are being put in place at several North East hospitals.

The facilities shown here are being put in place at Sunderland Royal Hospital for patients who die from Coronavirus.

Lines of the white freezer trucks are also being placed at its sister hospital in South Shields and other medical facilities across the North East.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is setting up the short-term "rest areas" which hospital bosses say are a "precautionary measure" to deal with a potential rise in deaths as the pandemic reaches its peak in the UK.

The units will not be a place for families to visit loved ones, but will provide "a safe and dignified environment" while funeral arrangements are made.

Residents living nearby were sent a letter warning them of the mortuaries being put in place.

The letter said this was being done to ensure we have enough space to "compassionately" look after anyone who passes away.

It added the units would mean the hospital could keep the deceased "as close to home and family as possible, rather than them having to be taken further away and out of the area".

It went on: "We appreciate your property overlooks this part of the hospital grounds and we are working with experts from the Ministry of Defence to ensure that there is both privacy and dignity for the families with loved ones who have died, but also yourselves as residents who live next door to the hospital site. Please be assured that the structure will be fully covered and as discreet as possible."

(Image: NCJMedia)

It was signed by Sunderland Council chief executive Patrick Melia, Sunderland coroner Derek Winter and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Ken Bremner.

The work by the MoD will take place at various hospital across the region, including Sunderland Roya l and South Tyneside District Hospital, within the coming days.

As of April 8, 89 people have died in South Tyneside and Sunderland after testing positive for COVID-19, with 339 deaths across the North East.

A joint media statement on behalf of Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said: "As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans across all partner agencies are now very well advanced and contingency arrangements are being put in place as we prepare for a peak in cases.

"Sadly, this also means we need to be prepared for the potential of more deaths across our local communities. To support with this and, as a precautionary measure, temporary facilities will be installed this week in a number of locations across the region, including Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital.

"Upholding the dignity of those who have died while being respectful towards their families at this difficult time is at the heart of our plans. We also recognise this is a very difficult time for all those NHS staff working in areas where these temporary facilities will be located.

"Over the coming days Ministry Of Defence personnel will be transporting and installing the temporary facilities which will be screened from the public.

"Locations have been chosen based on practicality and space available and does not reflect the number of anticipated deaths in each area. We would ask media to maintain a respectful distance at all times."