Chesterfield Royal Hospital reveals staff and patients trialled life-saving coronavirus 'miracle' drug dexamethasone

Twenty-nine Royal patients were given dexamethasone as the hospital’s research team joined forces with clinicians from The University of Oxford on the pioneering steroid treatment.

Dexamethasone, a steroid given at a low dose, has shown itself to be effective in helping to save the lives of seriously ill Covid-19 patients.

It increases the chances of survival in patients on ventilators by 35 per cent by dampening down the body’s response to Covid-19 and calming the immune system to enable it to fight the virus.

The Royal said in a statement: “We are very proud to confirm that Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s research team has worked with the University of Oxford, and played our part in trialling this treatment as part of the research programme.

“We can say that 29 of our patients received this steroid treatment.”

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The Royal’s 15-strong research team worked ‘tirelessly’ with the University of Oxford team over the last few weeks to recruit patients and study various treatments to see which proved effective.

Tom Spencer, the hospital’s research and development lead, said: ”These findings and the global impact they will have are a great step forward in the fight against Covid-19.

“This really is a great example of the importance of research and how vital this is to improve patient care. The team are all so proud to have been a part of this trial and help find treatment options rapidly during the pandemic.”

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Amanda Whileman, clinical research matron, said: “We are both proud and excited about these findings. For our local population to have contributed to such groundbreaking research really is incredible.

“I am immensely proud of what our small research team have achieved; their dedication along with the support of staff and the participation of patients has well and truly made a difference.

“We would also like to thank the patients who took part in this trial – and their families. They have contributed to a breakthrough which will go on to save lives and keep the UK at the forefront of medical research.”

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