Accident and emergency (A&E) waiting times can vary at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in England. Long A&E waiting times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.
Patients have a 66% probability of waiting less than 4 hours at Chesterfield Royal Hospital based upon historical data.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare Chesterfield Royal Hospital waiting times against other hospitals in England.
A&E waiting time is defined as the time from (a) the time when the decision is made to admit, or when treatment in A&E is completed, whichever is later; to (b) the time when the patient is admitted.
About Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Chesterfield Royal Hospital, located in Calow, Derbyshire, serves as the primary acute district general hospital for North Derbyshire, catering to a population exceeding 400,000. Established in 1984, the hospital operates under the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which attained foundation status in 2005.
The hospital offers a comprehensive range of acute services, including a 24-hour emergency department, planned care such as outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case, and inpatient surgery. Additionally, it provides specialist services for children, encompassing a paediatric assessment unit and a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS).
As of 2024, Chesterfield Royal Hospital employs over 5,000 staff members and benefits from the support of approximately 170 volunteers. The facility comprises 19 wards with a total of 500 beds, including 18 inpatient beds dedicated to paediatric and young patients, which incorporate same-day emergency care.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the hospital as ‘Good’ in its latest inspection, acknowledging the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality care. In line with its strategic priorities, the hospital aims to support local communities, reduce environmental impact, and foster opportunities to cultivate a local workforce.
Recent News
Chesterfield Royal Hospital has recently faced significant operational challenges due to a surge in winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. In response, the hospital reintroduced mandatory face masks for staff and patients to mitigate the spread of these infections.
To manage the increased patient load, the hospital urged individuals to avoid visiting the emergency department unless facing life-threatening conditions. This measure aimed to prioritize resources for the most critical cases.
In a move to enhance community healthcare services, Chesterfield Royal Hospital announced the near completion of a ‘one-stop-shop’ diagnostic care facility. This initiative seeks to provide more accessible diagnostic services within the community, potentially alleviating pressure on hospital resources.
Protect Yourself & Loved Ones
Crowded waiting areas in Chesterfield Royal Hospital can increase your risk of exposure to diseases. Hospitals are often filled with patients with contagious conditions. Protect yourself as you wait for emergency care.
- 😷 Wear a mask. Protect yourself from respiratory illnesses. Masks are particularly effective during flu seasons.
- 🧴 Practice hand hygiene. Contact with shared surfaces, such as chairs, doorknobs, and check-in kiosks, can expose you to pathogens. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer.
- 📱 Protect belongings. Germs can transfer to your belongings. Keep personal items, such as phones and bags, away from shared surfaces. Sanitize personal items with disinfecting wipes at home.
- 💪🏼 Boost your immune system. Build an extra layer of protection with supplements. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc can boost immune function to fight infections.
Prepare for Long Waiting Times
Long waiting times may be unavoidable at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, especially during peak times or for non-urgent conditions. Prepare for an extended stay to be more comfortable and to reduce stress.
- 🧣 Bring comfort aids. Prolonged sitting can be uncomfortable, especially for older adults. Bring a neck pillow, lumbar cushion, and percussion massager.
- 🎮 Bring entertainment. Entertainment can reduce stress and boredom. Bring a mobile electronic device, such as tablets, laptops and phones.
- 🎧 Wear noise-cancelling headphones. Hospitals can be noisy environments, which can increase stress. Wear noise-cancelling headphones to block out the commotion.
- 🍪 Pack healthy snacks. Hospitals may have limited food options. Bring snacks to sustain energy levels. Check with the doctor or nurse practitioner if fasting is required. Consider trail mix, whole-grain crackers or granola bars.
- 🧦 Dress comfortably. Hospitals can have variable temperatures. Dress in layers. Wear comfortable clothing.
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
Planning your visit to the emergency department can significantly impact waiting times, particularly if the medical issue is not urgent.
Mondays tend to be the busiest day of the week in hospital emergency departments. The accumulation of non-emergency cases over the weekend often result in a surge of patient volume on the first work day of the week. If your condition allows for flexibility in seeking care, consider the day of the week for your visit. Avoid Mondays and weekends.
Demand seasonality may also affect waiting times in emergency departments, particularly among younger patients. Young children, aged 0 to 5, see a rise in emergency visits during autumn, with a notable decline in the summer months. Children, aged 5 to 19, experience a peak in spring and a similar decrease in the summer.
The time of day is unlikely to significantly reduce waiting times, as hospitals align staff availability with patient volumes. During standard business hours, from morning to early evening, full staffing is in place. However, higher patient volumes during these times can create bottlenecks. Even with more medical personnel, increased demand can still lead to longer waits as emergency departments handle the influx of patients.
Consider Other Care Options
If medical conditions are not urgent, you can consider alternative care options:
- Family doctors can serve as the primary point of contact for managing ongoing or non-urgent medical concerns. They provide comprehensive and personalized care, often maintaining detailed records of a patient’s medical history, which facilitates continuity of care and long-term management of health conditions.
- Walk-in clinics can offer convenient medical services for minor injuries or illnesses without the requirement of an appointment.
- Urgent care centers can provide medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor fractures or severe flu symptoms. These centers typically offer faster service compared to emergency departments.