EXCLUSIVE: 32 patients currently being treated for flu at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

That's more than a full ward of patients who are being treated for the virus right now

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 12th Dec 2025

Chesterfield Royal Hospital tells us that more than a wards worth of patients are currently being treated for flu.

It comes as the Health Secretary is warning a current surge in admissions due to the virus across the country could triple over the peak of winter.

We've been speaking exclusively to the Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital - Dr Hal Spencer about the challenges they're facing:

"We've currently got 32 in patients with flu - so, that's more than a ward of patients in hospital with the virus at the moment.

"In all of our clinical areas in hospital - we are now wearing masks.

"We're asking patients and visitors to wear masks as well in these areas, and the same of course applies to staff.

"It's a busy time anyway, so having that additional pressure just makes it a lot harder for everybody when it comes to providing great care to our patients."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is warning of a 'real risk of harm to patients' - if resident doctors in England go ahead with next week's planned strike action.