Chesterfield Royal Hospital ‘remains alert to potential of second surge of coronavirus’

Since the end of March, the virus has claimed the lives of 123 people at the Royal.

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In total, 260 Covid-19 patients have been able to return home after being cared for at the hospital.

Angie Smithson, the Royal’s chief executive, told the Derbyshire Times: “At 8pm today, we were 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.”

She added: “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 while 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.”

According to the latest Government data, there are now 2,291 confirmed cases of the virus across Derbyshire – 1,702 in Derbyshire county and 589 in Derby city.

Ms Smithson added: “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-80s 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.”

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