Chesterfield Royal Hospital statements about coronavirus deaths

It will be updated when the Derbyshire Times receives statements from Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have passed away.

Statement dated March 27

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a patient in their 70s with an underlying health condition, who had tested positive for Covid-19, has passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Statement dated March 27

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a patient in their 80s with an underlying health condition, who had tested positive for Covid-19, has passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Statement dated March 31

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a patient in their 80s with an underlying health condition, who had tested positive for Covid-19, has passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Statement dated April 2

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On behalf of everyone at the hospital I would like to take this opportunity to pass on our sincere condolences to patients’ families.

“Sadly, between March 25 and April 1, a further 11 people from our local communities – who tested positive for Covid-19 – passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. They were aged between 64 and 98-years-old.

“Our thoughts are with relatives, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.

“I would also like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to our staff, who are working so hard in these unprecedented and challenging circumstances.”

Statement dated April 3

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “All of us here at the hospital are once again passing on our sincere condolences to a patient’s family.

“Yesterday a patient in their 90s – and who tested positive for Covid-19 – passed away after a period of time in our care.

“Our thoughts are with all of the relatives, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.

“These announcements have a daily impact on all the clinical and support colleagues working so hard to provide the best possible care and services. We are making sure they are also supported and well cared for.”

Statement dated April 4

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Today I am passing on further condolences to a patient’s family, on behalf of everyone here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

“Yesterday a patient aged in their 80s – and who had tested positive for Covid-19 – passed away in our hospital. This is an incredibly sad time for their relatives, friends and loved ones and we are thinking of them, as we continue to think of everyone already affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are incredibly grateful to our hospital, community-based and GP surgery colleagues who are working so hard in these unprecedented circumstances. We are asking everyone in our local communities to help to keep our staff safe, by staying home to protect the NHS and to help save lives.”

Statement dated April 6

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Over the weekend we were saddened that two further patients passed away here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Both in their late 70s and with existing health conditions, our thoughts and condolences are with their relatives and friends. We appreciate how hard this is for wider family members. Although visiting is suspended, we enable one person to be in attendance at the end of life, but in these unprecedented circumstances it’s challenging and we appreciate it can be upsetting.

“Once again this is a stark reminder of the impact Covid-19 is having on our communities and we thank them for being so supportive of all of us.”

Statement dated April 7

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is another incredibly sad day for five families within our North Derbyshire communities – and on behalf of everyone here at the hospital I would like to take this opportunity to pass on our sincere condolences.

“Sadly, we have to announce that a further five people – who tested positive for Covid-19 – have passed away at Chesterfield Royal. They were aged between 49 and 86 and had a range of underlying health conditions.

“Our thoughts are with their relatives, friends and loved ones. We are also thinking of our staff – working so hard in these challenging circumstances to care for patients and support families. It is an equally difficult time for them and we are so proud of each one of them.”

Statement dated April 8

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am incredibly sad to announce that between April 5 and 7 a further six people, aged between 73 and 88 and with underlying health conditions, passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

“As always our thoughts are with their relatives, friends and loved ones.

“We know that not being able to see people in hospital right now is really difficult, especially when someone is at the end of their life.

“We are putting solutions in place to allow ‘virtual visiting’ if people feel comfortable with it and we will have a telephone support network for anyone who is bereaved who was not able to say their goodbyes.

“I would like to thank our staff who are committed to enabling different ways of providing exceptional care and support in this unprecedented situation.”

Statement dated April 9

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We are once again thinking of families in our North Derbyshire communities who have lost loved ones. The national figures released today show that a further three people with underlying health conditions passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after also testing positive for Covid-19. They were in their 60s to 80s.

“Our thoughts are with their relatives, friends and loved ones and remain with the other 29 families who have already lost someone during the outbreak.

“From March 21 to April 9 we have diagnosed 147 patients with Covid-19. Not everyone who is diagnosed needs to stay in hospital – some go home from A&E and recover at home. At 8am this morning we were looking after 58 patients who have the virus. Twelve of these are in our critical care areas and the remainder are on the general wards we are using during the outbreak. Since we started recording figures, more than 70 patients have been discharged home after their hospital stay.

“We are working hard to make sure our patients get the best possible care at this unprecedented time of challenge. As the Bank Holiday arrives we are asking everyone to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Statement dated April 11

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust, said: “I am sad to announce that a further four people from the North Derbyshire area have passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Aged from their late 50s to mid 90s, our thoughts and condolences are with their relatives and friends and of course with those who have already lost a loved one to the virus, including some of our colleagues.

“I would like to thank staff who are doing everything they can right now to keep families connected – with our #LetterOfLove initiative and iPads on wards helping to make sure people have support to share messages and thoughts. I am also grateful to the staff and volunteers who have offered to help families who have been bereaved, offering telephone support and guidance.

“These unprecedented times and we are adapting as we go to try and ensure we provide the best possible care and experience, albeit in a different way.”

Statement dated April 12

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Sadly, now that today’s national statistics are released, we can confirm that in the last few days two further patients passed away here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust after testing positive for Covid-19 – bringing the total number of lives lost to 38 since the end of March.

“The patients, in their 70s and 90s, had existing health conditions and as always our thoughts and condolences are with their relatives and friends at this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, but this situation has made it even harder and we are doing all we can to make sure people can say goodbye.

“At the time of writing, my colleagues are caring for 65 patients who have coronavirus – 12 of whom need critical care. I would like to take the opportunity to thank those in our communities who have supported us this Easter by staying home to protect the NHS in order to save lives. By not going out you are helping staff to stay safe, so they can come to work to look after those in need of their expertise.”

Statement dated April 15

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Once again, on behalf of everyone at the hospital I am taking the opportunity to pass on our sincere condolences to a number of families who had patients in hospital over Easter.

“Sadly, between April 9 and April 14 a further nine people from our North Derbyshire communities are now confirmed as having passed away after testing positive for Covid-19. They were aged between 47 and 92-years-old and had a range of underlying or long-term health conditions.

“As the national statistics show (at April 15) Covid-19 related deaths at Chesterfield Royal Hospital total 47 since the end of March this year. It is important to remember that these are not just numbers – these are people’s loved ones and as always our thoughts are with the family and friends who will miss them. It is a really sad time for them and while we are doing everything we can to ensure families stay connected, most will not have had to chance to say goodbye in person.

“Today we have shared some other facts and figures that illustrate the huge impact Covid-19 has had on the hospital so far, but also the positives – including discharges home. In these unprecedented and challenging circumstances I would once again like to repeat my heartfelt thanks to our staff, who are working so hard to look after all our patients and each other.”

Statement dated April 16

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Today and on behalf of everyone here at the hospital, I am once again passing on sincere condolences to local families – with the sad news that a further eight patients passed away between April 13 and 15 following a positive confirmation of Covid-19.

“They were aged between 60 and 90-years-old and all had underlying or long-term health conditions.

“The national statistics confirm that there have been a total of 55 Covid-19 related deaths at Chesterfield Royal Hospital since the end of March this year. As always everyone here thinks about them in terms of the grandmas, grandads, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, cousins and special friends they still are – and our thoughts are with the people who will miss them.

“The loss of any patient at any time – and for whatever reason – is incredibly hard for our staff. At the moment, with such a high-level interest in ‘numbers’ it makes it even harder. Despite daily challenges and having to adapt to different ways of working, our teams are doing an amazing job and we are so thankful for the support and goodwill we have received from local people.

“Our response to Covid-19 is an incredible joint effort and that includes not just the hospital and our community and GP services, but also the people of North Derbyshire.”

Statement dated April 17

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On behalf of everyone here at the hospital I am once again taking the opportunity to pass on our sincere condolences to patients’ families.

“Sadly, on April 15, a further four people from our local communities – who tested positive for Covid-19 – passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. They were aged in their 70s, 80s and 90s.

“All of us are thinking of the relatives, friends and loved ones who have now received this news. This an incredibly sad and difficult time for them and for all the people in North Derbyshire that have already felt the impact of coronavirus.

“Although I say this every day, it can never be said enough. Our staff deserve our thanks and appreciations as they continue to work so hard in these unprecedented and challenging circumstances.”

Statement dated April 18

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Yesterday we were saddened to learn that two further patients passed away here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust after testing positive for Covid-19. Both of these patients were part of today’s national announcement, which revealed a further 888 loved ones have died across the country.

“Our patients were in their 70s and 90s and both had with existing health conditions. As each day passes, all of us at the trust continue to send our condolences to the relatives and friends affected and we are thinking of two more families today.

“Once again this is a reminder of the impact Covid-19 is having on our North Derbyshire communities and as we enter the next stage of lockdown we thank them for their continued support and kind words.”

Statement dated April 19

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Over the weekend, two more patients in our hospital passed away after testing positive for Covid-19. All of us here at Chesterfield Royal are saddened by these daily announcements – and as always our thoughts and sincere condolences are with their relatives and friends at this difficult time.

“I can confirm that the patients included in today’s national figures were aged in their mid-70s and late-90 – and they also had a range of existing underlying long-term health conditions.

“Each of the 63 Covid-19 deaths we have experienced at our hospital so far are more than numbers. As I have said before, they were valuable and much-loved members of our North Derbyshire communities. All of our staff and I will continue to remember them in this way, rather than ‘statistics’.”

Statement dated April 20

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Today I am passing on further condolences to a patient’s family on behalf of everyone here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

“Over the weekend a further patient aged in their late-70s – and who was confirmed as having Covid-19 – passed away in our hospital. This is a really sad time for their relatives, friends and loved ones. We are all thinking of them, as we continue to think of everyone already affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are incredibly grateful to our hospital, community-based and GP surgery colleagues who continue to work so hard in these unprecedented circumstances. Our local communities are staying home to help to keep our staff safe and to help save lives – and we are so grateful for that support.

“People must not hesitate if they have serious health problem, however. We are not just here to look after people with suspected or confirmed Covid-19. We are open as usual for all other ‘business’ and none of us want people to feel they should not ‘bother’ A&E for other medical emergencies or life-threatening conditions. Neither should the fear of Covid-19 stop anyone presenting. We have separated our services across the hospital to keep people and staff safe and protected.”

Statement dated April 21

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “All of us here at the hospital are saddened at the news that in the last few days a further three patients have passed away, all of them now confirmed to have had positive Covid-19 results. On behalf of everyone here at the trust I would like to pass on sincere condolences to their relatives, friends and family.

“The three patients, in their 60s and 70s, had underlying and long-term health conditions. We have now lost a total of 67 local people to coronavirus and this is a really sad time for our tight-knit communities. Our thoughts are with everyone who’s been affected so far, including our own staff who have lost some of their own family and friends.

“We have also been thinking of the NHS staff elsewhere in the country who have lost their lives to COVID-19 whilst caring for others. This includes eleven 11 at hospitals in our Midlands and east region, who were well-known and well- respected members of our health care system.

“On behalf of the board of directors I would once again like to thank all of the staff here for continuing to put provision of the best possible patient care and services before everything, every day.”

Statement dated April 24

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Once again I am sadly announcing that we have lost more members of our communities to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the last two days three more patients have passed away, all of them confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus. I would like to pass on sincere condolences to their relatives and friends from all of us here at the hospital.

“The three patients, in their late 70s and late 80s, also had underlying and long-term health conditions. It now means that 70 people have lost their life at Chesterfield Royal and we all continue to think of them as the much-missed loved ones, friends and family members they are.

“Among this sadness we do have some positive news. As we reflect on the last 35 days 266 people have been admitted to our wards with Covid-19. While we have had to share news about those who have lost their lives, we need to remember that 150 people have also gone home after care and treatment.

“Our board of directors and I cannot say ‘thank you’ often enough to all of our staff. Over the last few weeks they have changed how they work, some have retrained to support other wards and services, and they’ve adopted new technology to see patients ‘remotely’. They are working incredibly hard around the clock to offer exceptional patient care and services.”

Statement dated April 28

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am sad to have to announce that between April 24 and 27, three more patients from the North Derbyshire area passed away after testing positive for Covid-19. On behalf of everyone here at the trust I am once again extending sincere condolences to their relatives and friends.

“The three patients, aged from their mid-50s to late-80s, also had underlying and long-term health conditions. At today’s one minute of silence, as well as remembering the NHS heroes who have so far lost their own lives to Covid, our staff and patients also thought about the 73 people who have died here at Chesterfield Royal. We know they will be much-missed loved ones and this is a really difficult time for their families. We will do all we can to support them in their bereavement.

“At our board of directors meeting tomorrow we will be taking some time to reflect on the last few weeks, which have seen both tragedy and positivity.

“We will also be placing our thanks to our staff on record. It has never been more important to look after those who are caring for others – and today has been a reminder of the personal risks colleagues are taking as they go about their work. All our staff are amazing and we absolutely value each and every one of them. We are also thankful for the goodwill our communities have shown us every day of this outbreak. Their support and gestures of kindness are truly appreciated.”

Statement dated May 1

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am once again saddened by the news that during the last two days of April three more patients passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. Everyone here at the trust sends sincere condolences to their relatives and friends and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Aged from their mid-60s to late-80s, they had underlying and long-term health conditions and bring the number of deaths during the outbreak to 76.

“We continue to do all we can to protect our patients and staff from this highly infectious virus and thank everyone for continuing to stay home unless they need urgent medical care and attention. We are still here to help in a life-threatening or emergency situation, including suspected heart attacks and strokes and serious accidents. No-one should be anxious about ‘bothering the NHS’, nor should they be worried about contracting Covid-19. We are following all national infection prevention guidance to keep people safe on site.

“We know it has been hard for people in our communities not to be able to see their loved ones through traditional visiting, especially at the end of their life. We are indebted to our staff who have held patients’ hands, talked to them, read to them, helped them to see and speak to their relatives on iPads – and sat with them while they talk to friends on the phone. All our teams demonstrate true compassion in their caring and we are looking after their well-being at this unprecedented time of both operational and emotional challenge.”

Statement dated May 4

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Today I am sad to have to announce that in the first few days of this month, seven patients from our North Derbyshire communities passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Aged from their mid-60s to late-90s, they had a range of other underlying and long-term health conditions. Their deaths mean that 83 local people have now lost their lives at the Royal during the pandemic, since March 24. Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.

“Despite continued sad news like this, along with the impact and challenges of Covid-19, the NHS is starting to think about recovery and restoration – with a cautious approach to bringing services back online. Here at the hospital we have already reopened another additional operating theatre for emergency surgical cases and during this week we will be undertaking more urgent endoscopy procedures for patients referred with suspected cancer.

“Over the next few weeks and months – in all aspects of life – we will have to work out how to function alongside coronavirus, making sure we help people to stay safe and protected. There are some challenges for the NHS, but we have robust processes in place that are already working well in services like A&E and on our wards. We hope people realise we are still very much here to help. Our staff are continuing to come to work in these unprecedented circumstances to provide the best possible care and services for everyone who needs them.”

Statement dated May 6

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am incredibly sad to have to announce that in the last two days a further five patients have passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with their family and friends and remain with all those in our communities who have lost loved-ones during the pandemic.

“All these patients also suffered from other underlying and long-term health conditions and were in their late-60s to late-70s. It means today’s national figures (up to 5pm on May 5 2020) show that the deaths of 88 people from North Derbyshire are now linked to coronavirus.

“As we head towards the VE Day celebrations on Friday we will be using the two-minutes silence at 11am to remember not only those who gave their lives during World War Two, but also the thousands of people in the UK who are now a part of this pandemic’s history. This of course includes more than 100 NHS and care home colleagues – some of whom, from other local hospitals, were known to us personally.

“We can never say thank you enough to all the staff working in our hospital, community bases, GP surgeries and from home for the care and support they are giving in these unprecedented circumstances. As we slowly start to recover and restore the NHS there will be new challenges for all of us, which we will continue to address – to ensure our patients get the care they need in the right place and at the right time.”

Statement dated May 8

Angie Smithson, chief executive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of VE day, I am sadly announcing that five more patients have passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. On behalf of us all here at the trust I would like to extend my sincere condolences to their family and friends.

“With a range of underlying and long-term health conditions these patients were in their early-60s to late-80s. It means today’s national figures (up to 5pm on May 7 2020) show that the deaths of 93 people from North Derbyshire are now linked to Coronavirus.

“On a day when we have spent time remembering those who have lost their lives in conflict, our thoughts are also with families across the country who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.”

Statement dated May 13

Angie Smithson, chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I always feel incredibly sad when I confirm the latest national figures for Covid-19 deaths.

“Today, this task feels worse than usual – and I know that everyone at the trust will share in my sadness.

“The daily update confirms that, since March 24 2020, 103 people have now died in our hospital as a consequence of coronavirus.

“Since my statement of May 8, a further 10 patients passed away after testing positive.

“All of us at Chesterfield Royal Hospital wish to extend our sincere condolences to their family and friends on the loss of their loved ones.

“This ‘milestone’ is one that none of us wanted to reach.

“With a range of underlying and long-term health conditions these patients were in their mid-50s to late-80s.

“Rather than ‘statistics’, we will remember them as people who will be much missed members of North Derbyshire communities – and through our chaplaincy and bereavement services we are continuing to offer support to all those who have lost someone during these unprecedented circumstances, where visiting at the end of someone’s life is not possible for everyone who may have wished to say their goodbyes.

“As I have said before, it has also never been a more important time to look after those who are caring for patients with respect, dignity and compassion and those working tirelessly ‘behind the scenes’ to provide other facilities and support services.

“Our board of directors will do everything it can to make sure all our staff have access to a range of support offers through the outbreak and beyond.”

Statement dated May 16

Angie Smithson, chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sadly, since my last statement on May 13, seven more patients with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 passed away in our hospital. There were in their early-60s to early-80s and were also suffering from a range of other underlying and long-term health conditions. On behalf of the trust I extend our sympathies and sincere condolences to their family and friends at this difficult time.

“The national daily update, issued earlier today, confirms that 110 people from our local communities have now died in Chesterfield Royal.

“At 5pm today we are caring for 30 patients with coronavirus. This is much lower than a few weeks ago, when we were looking after up to 70 patients at any one time. We are cautiously de-escalating our incident response and next week we’ll look to reduce the number of Covid-19 wards from three to two.

“However, while this is undoubtedly good news, we remain vigilant to the risks of Covid-19 and its unpredictability. It’s vital that everyone continues to protect the NHS and its staff – by following the latest government guidance for travel, social distancing and returning to work (if home working isn’t an option).

“If we can all work together to prevent a second surge of cases in the UK we will be able to start to recover more services – especially urgent cancer diagnostics and surgeries. While these have still been running at the Royal for anyone needing immediate and critical care, clinics and operations have been reduced. Restoring the NHS will mean working differently though. This week for example, patients attending our hospital for an urgent endoscopy examination waited in their cars before being called to clinic – rather than sitting in a waiting room. While this is only a small change it means we can run effectively, with social distancing and additional infection prevention processes in place.

“I want people to know that we are here to help when they need us – and I assure our patients and their families that we are doing everything we can to keep them safe and protected if they do need to come into hospital.”

Statement dated May 25

Angie Smithson, chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is a week since I last issued a statement on behalf of the trust and sadly since then six more patients with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 passed away in our hospital. All from local areas, they ranged in age from their late sixties to late eighties and were also suffering from other underlying and long-term health conditions. At this incredibly difficult time I extend our sympathies and sincere condolences to the family and friends who have lost loved-ones. The national daily update, issued earlier today, confirms that 116 people from our communities have now died at Chesterfield Royal since March 24.

“At 4pm on Sunday, we were caring for 35 patients with coronavirus. Fewer hospital cases has enabled us to cautiously de-escalate our incident response and we have reduced the number of Covid-19 wards from three to two. We have also been able restore a handful of critical services – including some urgent cancer diagnostics and surgeries. These have involved meticulous planning to keep both patients and staff safe. We are altering ways of working to maintain social distancing and to ensure hospital footfall remains at a minimum.

“While this is undoubtedly good news, we know we have to remain prepared for a second surge of cases – and do as much as we can to only bring people on to our site when it’s absolutely essential. We will be retaining successful technological solutions to keep people protected – including routine out-patient appointments over the telephone and on-screen. Our staff have done an incredible job to make sure patients continue to receive the best possible care – adapting to virtual clinics and appointments in an extremely short space of time.

“Tomorrow is a Bank Holiday and the weather forecast is for plenty of sun. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors and to get plenty of exercise, but appeal to the public in North Derbyshire to follow the latest government guidance to continue to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to continue to save lives.”

Statement dated May 31

Angie Smithson, chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Two months ago, at the end of March, we announced our first Covid-19 associated death at Chesterfield Royal Hospital – and it has not become any easier for me to share these statements.

“In the last week, seven more patients, with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 passed away. They were aged from 60 to their late eighties and had a range of other underlying and long-term health conditions. On behalf of everyone at the hospital I once again pass on our sympathies and sincere condolences to the family and friends who have lost loved ones. This is undoubtedly a difficult time for all of them. I can also confirm, in line with the national daily update hat 123 people from our communities have now died during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Our first Covid-19 positive patient was admitted to our hospital on March 21 2020. Since that date, 260 have returned home after hospital care and treatment to continue their recovery. At 8pm today we are caring for 26 patients with Coronavirus – which replicates numbers we saw at the start of the ‘surge period’. This peaked mid-April, but we remain alert to the potential of a second surge – which scientists are widely predicting in the coming months. We have the ability to escalate our plans again – for both critical care and ‘Covid-19 wards. This remains a high-priority, alongside slowly starting to restore and recover other vital services, especially for patients who need urgent surgery and cancer care.

“The sunny weather and easing of some lockdown restrictions is undoubtedly welcomed by families and friends alike. It’s early days though and we hope that whilst enjoying getting together, everyone also takes the opportunity to remember to maintain the social distancing and hand hygiene that will continue to control the virus and keep everyone safe.”