Chesterfield Royal Hospital has ‘well-rehearsed escalation plan’ as UK prepares for coronavirus peak within weeks

Dr Jenny Harries, England’s deputy chief medical officer, has said the country is expected to reach a peak number of Covid-19 cases by Easter, which falls on April 12.

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A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital told the Derbyshire Times: “The NHS in Derbyshire is well-prepared and is working together as part of the country’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital we are following and implementing all the national guidance that we are provided with to ensure we are adopting a robust and consistent approach.

“Our staff are following best practice infection control standards, we have strengthened our critical care bed capacity and have a well-rehearsed escalation plan.

“This is an unprecedented and challenging time, nevertheless we are managing the incident hour-by-hour, with executive director leadership.”

The spokesperson added: “Right now it is more important than ever that we protect our staff, patients and local communities and we all have a part to play in that regard.

“Follow the instruction to stay home, which will protect the NHS and save lives.

“If you have symptoms that could be Covid-19 (a new continuous cough and a high temperature of 37.8 or more) observe the latest self or family-isolation advice on nhs.uk/coronavirus.

“Frequent hand-washing, with hot water and soap, for at least 20 seconds – and using hand santiser when water and soap are not available – is the single most effective way to stop the spread and we can all role model that.”

Earlier this week, Chesterfield Royal Hospital said its staff were working ‘round the clock’ to continue to care for patients with confirmed cases of Covid-19.

The Royal’s spokesperson said: “We are incredibly grateful to the staff looking after these patients with such dignity and respect – at what is an anxious time for them and their families.”

According to the latest figures from Public Health England, there are 139 confirmed cases of coronavirus across Deryshire.

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