The two victims of the fatal listeria outbreak at Manchester Royal Infirmary have been named.
Enid Heap, 84, from Beswick and 57-year-old Beverley Sowah, who was born in Jamaica and lived in Manchester, died at the MRI, an inquest opening today heard.
Mrs Heap was admitted to the hospital in March this year suffering breathing difficulties, Manchester Coroner's Court heard.
She sadly died on May 6 with her family at her bedside.
Mrs Sowah had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on April 15 and died on April 26.
Samples had been taken from her for analysis as part of her ongoing treatment on April 25, the court heard.
A total of five patients are believed to have died from the bacterial infection, which has been linked to pre-packaged sandwiches and salads served in hospitals.
The three other deaths took place at Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
No family members of Mrs Heap, who had a daughter called Beverley Heap, were present in court today.
Nigel Meadows, senior coroner for Manchester, told the Manchester court he had been in contact with the families of both women.
He added: "They have obviously suffered a very tragic, recent bereavement and are very shocked and distressed to lean about the circumstances which are now suggested to have led to the deaths of their loved ones.
"Both families would request their privacy and dignity is respected and no-one tries to contact them as they have no interest to speak to them."
Solicitors for the hospital trust, Sodexo Health Care and Northern County Meats were present at the hearing.
Earlier this week a Public Health England spokesman said the outbreak investigation was continuing and the public health risk remained low.
He said: "As we have made clear from the outset, the health risk to the public remains low and individuals should only seek medical attention if they develop symptoms."
