Surge in Covid-19 patients sparks this warning from Chesterfield Royal Hospital

A surge in patients being hospitalised with Covid-19 has led to a warning for Chesterfield and Derbyshire people to use NHS services ‘wisely’.
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Health bosses say they are being confronted by a growing impact on NHS services, as the multiple impacts of the pandemic, winter pressures and continued ‘service restoration’ converge.

Dr Steve Lloyd, executive medical director at NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Whilst there is a clear message that the NHS remains open for business, patients are being asked to use NHS services wisely, to ensure they are following guidance and that they are protecting themselves and those around them.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has seen a surge in Covid-19 cases.Chesterfield Royal Hospital has seen a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital has seen a surge in Covid-19 cases.
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"This includes washing hands regularly, staying socially distanced, wearing a face covering where that is required, particularly at NHS sites, following local tier restrictions as they are put in place and getting a flu jab.”

With this rapid increase in infection rates, Angie Smithson, chief executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, said there was no doubt hospitals were ‘starting to struggle’.

“We are very concerned about the rising prevalence of Covid-19 in our communities, which will inevitably lead to a rise in admissions at our hospitals,” she said.

"There is no doubt that the situation in our hospitals is becoming more serious and with rising rates of Covid-19 our hospitals are starting to struggle.

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“Right now we are seeing a continued increase in the number of patients with Covid-19 who require hospital treatment, including intensive care. This is affecting our ability to continue to conduct some non-urgent operations.

"We have to allocate extra beds in our hospital to look after patients who are acutely unwell – who need to be oxygenated or ventilated. Inevitably this means our capacity for elective surgery is less than it would ordinarily be.”

Derbyshire’s health leaders say there remains a clear message for patients to continue to use the NHS where they have concerns about their health.

Pharmacists can provide a wide range of healthcare advice and treatments, and GPs are open for business with telephone, video and face to face appointments all available.

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Anyone concerned about potential cancer symptoms should not hesitate to speak with their GP at the earliest opportunity.

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.