Chesterfield Royal Hospital reports small increase in coronavirus patients

Officials stress the hospital is not experiencing a ‘second phase’ of coronavirus – but say ‘we all need to work together to prevent the spread’.

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Latest NHS figures show 130 people have sadly died at the Royal after testing positive for the virus.

A Royal spokesperson said: “Today we have 12 positive patients, which is a very minor increase over the last couple of weeks of an average six to eight per day.

“We aren’t suggesting there’s a second phase at the hospital – there’s not enough evidence to indicate a sustained increase.

“It’s a general reminder that we all need to work together to prevent the spread.”

The spokesperson urged people not to visit the hospital if they have symptoms of coronavirus – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss of smell or taste. Instead they should isolate at home with any household members and visit the NHS website for further information and to arrange a test.

People are also being told to only attend the hospital’s A&E department for life-threatening and serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and head injuries.

Those who don’t need to attend A&E should consider seeking help from minor injury units, NHS 111, GPs and pharmacists.

The spokesperson said: “We’re still limiting visiting except in compassionate circumstances – including end of life care – and you should attend out-patient appointments on your own, unless instructed otherwise.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep everyone safe at the hospital.

“Wear a face covering when you come to hospital, follow our one-way systems, stay two metres apart from others and wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.”

The spokesperson added: “This weekend pubs and restaurants are reopening – and while we know people want to go and enjoy themselves, don’t put yourself and others at risk.

“We don’t want to see you in A&E for drink-related issues.”

They urged people to follow the national guidance and to stay alert, control the virus and save lives.

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