High number of Covid-19 patients remain at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

As of Tuesday (February 2) the hospital is currently looking after 170 patients who are confirmed positive for the killer virus, including 14 occupying the beds at Covid-19 intensive care units.

The medical staff at the hospital are also working around the clock to care for 300 patients who have a range of other urgent medical and surgical conditions.

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Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Chief Nurse Krishna Kallianpur said sadly since March 2020 when the pandemic hit, a total of 327 patients have passed away in their hospital, with their deaths linked to Covid-19.

In a statement, she said: “These are much missed loved-ones – people’s friends, relatives and colleagues from across our North Derbyshire communities.

"Our staff are providing exceptional care in challenging circumstances and our operational plans are enabling us to be flexible – so we can adapt at pace.

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"We would urge our communities to continue to follow the guidelines of the national pandemic, to practice ‘hands, face and space’ to help to protect the NHS.

"We thank them for everything they are continuing to do, right now, to support our hospital and primary care services.”

Last Wednesday, the UK marked a grim milestone as it recorded more than 100,000 Covid-19 related deaths.

According to Public Health England’s latest available data, a total of 106,564 patients have lost their lives to the deadly virus as of February 1 within 28 days of positive test.

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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 or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.