Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s chief executive issues statement as coronavirus death toll passes 100

A total of 103 patients have now sadly passed away at the Royal after testing positive for Covid-19.

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Angie Smithson, chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I always feel incredibly sad when I confirm the latest national figures for Covid-19 deaths.

“Today, this task feels worse than usual – and I know that everyone at the trust will share in my sadness.

“The daily update confirms that, since March 24 2020, 103 people have now died in our hospital as a consequence of coronavirus.

“Since my statement of May 8, a further 10 patients passed away after testing positive.

“All of us at Chesterfield Royal Hospital wish to extend our sincere condolences to their family and friends on the loss of their loved ones.

“This ‘milestone’ is one that none of us wanted to reach.

“With a range of underlying and long-term health conditions these patients were in their mid-50s to late-80s.

“Rather than ‘statistics’, we will remember them as people who will be much missed members of North Derbyshire communities – and through our chaplaincy and bereavement services we are continuing to offer support to all those who have lost someone during these unprecedented circumstances, where visiting at the end of someone’s life is not possible for everyone who may have wished to say their goodbyes.

“As I have said before, it has also never been a more important time to look after those who are caring for patients with respect, dignity and compassion and those working tirelessly ‘behind the scenes’ to provide other facilities and support services.

“Our board of directors will do everything it can to make sure all our staff have access to a range of support offers through the outbreak and beyond.”

Across the UK, a total of 33,186 people have now sadly lost their lives after testing positive for coronavirus.

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