Derbyshire patients urged to help quell pressure on hospitals over winter

Patients in Derbyshire are being urged to help quell pressure on the county’s hospitals this winter.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital.Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Hospitals, including Chesterfield Royal, saw rising admissions over the weekend – with chiefs admitting they were “really under pressure”.

Gavin Boyle, chief executive at Chesterfield Royal, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who worked incredibly hard over the last couple of days to keep the hospital running as smoothly as possible and our patients safe.”

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Demands on the NHS tend to increase during the colder months because of illnesses like flu and norovirus.

Andy Gregory, chief operating officer for Hardwick Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “A growing elderly population means that demand for urgent care services in north Derbyshire is increasing every year.

“This winter is likely to be one of the most challenging yet – and we need to work together to make sure we provide safe care in the right place to the 380,000 citizens we share responsibility for.”

Jackie Pendleton, chief operating officer for North Derbyshire (CCG), added: “We’re asking people to think carefully and choose well themselves when it comes to deciding where to go for treatment.”

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People with minor illnesses and injuries should refrain from visiting hospital. Pharmacists can offer advice on the right way to treat a variety of common conditions using over-the-counter medicines.

The 111 service can also offer help and advice.