This is the latest on coronavirus at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

At around 4pm on Wednesday, staff were caring for 149 patients with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19.

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This number is lower than Manday’s figure of 161 patients but still significantly above last April’s peak of 80.

Of the 149 patients, 16 are receiving critical care.

A Chesterfield Royal Hospital spokesperson said the trust had recorded a total of 248 deaths related to coronavirus.

They offered their condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Dean Wallace, Derbyshire’s director of public health, revealed that almost 25 per cent of hospital beds locally were currently occupied with coronavirus patients.

He said: “We all have a part to play in making sure that our hospitals can continue to provide the cancer treatment, elective surgery and other support that we need.

“Please observe the lockdown, reduce your contact with others, get the vaccine when you are contacted for an appointment and use the community testing facilities when they are available in your area.”

He added: “The reality is that every contact that people have with those outside their household or bubble creates a risk of passing on the virus.

“One in three people who have the virus show no symptoms, so it is easy to transmit it to others without knowing, and a vulnerable person could be part of every chain.

“There are huge pressures on the NHS in Derbyshire and across the country.”

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital spokesperson added: “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.

“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.”

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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.