Chesterfield Royal Hospital facing ‘incredibly challenging time’ as number of coronavirus patients rises ‘substantially’

On Sunday afternoon, hospital spokesperson Sarah Turner-Saint said staff were looking after 115 Covid-19 patients – 16 of whom require critical care.

MORE: Police issue fresh appeal to trace convict who absconded from Derbyshire’s open prison

There were 80 coronavirus patients at the Royal during the peak of the first wave of the pandemic last year, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins said in a blog post in November.

Ms Turner-Saint added that as of Saturday the hospital had recorded a total of 222 deaths related to Covid-19 – this figure includes people who have had a positive swab and those treated clinically for the virus.

The hospital expressed its condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.

Since March, 939 coronavirus patients have been discharged home after being treated at the Royal.

On Sunday afternoon, the hospital confirmed it would open a third ward for Covid-19 care.

A statement said: “With 16 patients in our ITU we will also be looking to expand critical care capacity if we need it.

“Throughout the last 10 months we’ve always had the ability to expand ITU – with more beds within our operating theatre complex.

“We’re not there yet and it could impact routine operations – so if there’s any development we’ll post an update in the next couple of days.

“This is an incredibly challenging time.

"It’s true that we are experiencing a substantial increase in Covid-19 cases.

“We still have bed capacity in the hospital, but continue to urge everyone to continue to think about using our services wisely.

“If it’s not an emergency or life-threatening situation think NHS 111 first before coming up to A&E and seek advice from the 111 team.

“They can help you get the right care for your needs and avoid potentially long waits.

“Clearly this new strain of Covid-19 is spreading quickly and impacting hospitals across the UK.

“Your help and support to try and prevent the spread is absolutely appreciated.

“Hands, face and space and following Tier 4 guidance will contribute.”

As well as continuing to wash hands regularly, stay apart and wear a face covering unless exempt, Tier 4 restrictions mean:

- people should stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’ such as work or education

- people should not mix indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble but individuals can meet one other person from another household in an open, public space

- childcare bubbles are allowed with one other household to provide informal care to children under the age of 13

- all non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons and indoor entertainment venues must close

- pubs, cafes and restaurants must close but can continue to offer takeaway, drive-through or click and collect services until 11pm

- gyms and indoor swimming pools, indoor sports courts and dance studios must close

- people should not leave Tier 4 areas or travel abroad, except for legally permitted reasons. Overnight stays are not permitted

- weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are only allowed in exceptional circumstances

- people who are classed as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ are advised to work from home. If they are unable to work from home, they are advised not to go to work

MORE: Multi-million pound project to breathe new life into Chesterfield town centre about to start

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.