Chesterfield Royal Hospital issues Covid-19 update as Chris Whitty warns coming weeks will be ‘worst’ for NHS

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has this afternoon revealed its staff are caring for 161 patients with Covid-19.
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Thirteen of these patients require critical care.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said the trust had recorded a total of 242 deaths related to Covid-19 – and offered their condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital.Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The spokesperson reiterated the following statement: “We have been experiencing high levels of demand and the number of Covid-positive patients is greater than during the April peak.

“However, we have plans in place to deal with this.

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“We have had to make some difficult decisions, such as cancelling some elective surgery, to ensure we can prioritise and concentrate resources on our most poorly patients.

“This ensures that we still have the capacity to treat you if you need our services.

“There are things that you can do to help and make sure we can keep our services running, including keeping to the Government guidelines and following all safety measures.

“We are here to help you and you must make sure you look after our own health but, if you do have a concern, please think about the right NHS resource to use and whether your concern can be treated by your local pharmacy, a conversation with your GP or self-care.

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“If in doubt, you can call NHS 111 to speak to a health expert who will be able to give you advice and direct you to the most appropriate service to ensure we have the resources to treat genuine emergencies.”

On Monday, Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, warned that the next few weeks will be ‘the worst’ of the pandemic for the NHS

He urged people to minimise all unnecessary contact with others.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “We have a really tough fight on our hands.”

Derbyshire Covid-19 positive tests per 100,000 people in the latest week (December 31 to January 6)

Amber Valley: 521

Bolsover: 477

Chesterfield: 354

Derby: 623

Derbyshire Dales: 241

Erewash: 394

High Peak: 338

North East Derbyshire: 335

South Derbyshire: 472

England national average: 534

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.