Derbyshire hospitals see 95% fall in covid patients since January peak

This is the lowest level our hospitals in Chesterfield Derby and Burton have seen since early October, nearly six months ago.

However, it is worth remembering that county hospitals were often free of any Covid-19 patients for much of the summer.

When hospital inpatient levels were last at the current figure they were rapidly increasing in connection with rising community virus rates through September, following a period largely clear of the virus and kids heading back to school.

Today (March 29) the “stay at home” lockdown order has been lifted and some restrictions have been eased, while schools have now been back open to all pupils for a couple of weeks.

An uptick in community transmission rates is expected, however, it is hoped an increase in hospitalisations linked to Covid will not arise – or will be much lower than it has been previously – due to a substantial proportion of the most-at-risk population now being vaccinated against the virus.

There are currently 12 Covid-19 patients at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, down from 20 this time last week and a pandemic high of 196 patients with the virus nine weeks ago.

Chesterfield Royal staff are treating five Covid patients in intensive care.

Intensive care numbers throughout the elongated second wave of the virus – which peaked in November and January – have remained far lower than during the first wave.

This is due to improved treatment options, understanding of the virus and infection prevention procedures. All of this has meant many patients have avoided intensive care altogether.

However, the level of Covid patients in intensive care appears to have remained more stubborn and has taken longer to reduce, with more complex long-term cases.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: “As restrictions are further lifted, we continue to ask everyone to keep to the guidelines as set by the Government at all times.

“Whilst we share the cautious optimism that the lifting of restrictions brings, the reality is that we still have critically ill patients with Covid-19 as well as others being cared for as inpatients.

“We want people to enjoy the moment responsibly and safely to give us all the best chance of making the additional strides that will enable further restrictions to be lifted as planned, keep those numbers down and protect ourselves, each other and our services.”

There are currently (as of March 29) 16 Covid-19 patients in beds at Royal Derby Hospital, down from 17 last week and down from an all-time high of 388 in mid-January – a reduction of 96 per cent.

Of these 16 Covid patients, four are in intensive care, down from nine last week and an all-time high of nearly 30 in the first wave.

Queen’s Hospital in Burton is treating 12 Covid patients, down from 20 last week and a pandemic peak of 151 in early February – a reduction of 92 per cent.

Its intensive care staff are looking after three patients who have the virus, down from four in the previous week and a high of 12 in early February.