The latest on coronavirus at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital has brought back its visiting scheme to allow patients to see loved ones.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Designated visiting on most of the Royal’s wards restarted on Monday – at the same time non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality reopened to the public.

On Monday morning, hospital staff were looking after five patients with coronavirus, one of who was in critical care.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital.Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The trust has recorded a total of 441 deaths linked to the virus.

Berenice Groves, deputy chief executive and chief operating officer at the Royal, said: “Designated visiting ran successfully throughout August to October last year – before Covid-19 cases started increasing rapidly and the extended lockdown began.

“We’ve seen numbers drop significantly in the last few weeks, so it feels like the right time to make a change.

“We’re really pleased to offer designated visiting again, albeit with strict measures in place to protect our patients, staff and relatives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We know how important connecting with family is when you’re in hospital and this will certainly aid well-being.”

The designated scheme allows patients to have a named visitor at their bedside at a certain time slot for one hour a day per week. Posters above each bed show what time slot it has been given.

Anyone visiting will be expected to follow infection prevention measures, including social distancing, washing hands, using sanitiser and wearing a surgical mask throughout the duration of their visit.

Visiting will not be allowed in some areas of the hospital – including A&E – to protect those most at risk from infection.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times editor

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.