Hospital near to full capacity
HARROGATE Hospital is asking residents to consider whether they really need emergency attention, after hitting 97 per cent capacity.
It confirmed bed occupancy had hit winter levels over the past month - around 15 per cent higher than usual - leaving little room for new patients.
The increase has led to concerns that staff could struggle to cope over the colder period, when patient numbers typically rise, but the hospital says it is taking steps to prepare.
"We have been averaging 90 to 95 per cent right through the summer, from June until now," said spokesman Chris Watt.
"To be honest, we can't really put our finger on why this is - there are no specific conditions that a lot of people are coming in with, though the emergency department has been extremely busy.
"One factor could be that people are much more aware of their health now, so if they think there's something wrong, they make an effort to get it checked out."
In 2009, bed occupancy levels were at 85 per cent in June, 89 per cent in July and 82 per cent in August.
This year that increased to 89 per cent in June, 91 per cent by July and 97 per cent over the past month.
For the full story, see this week's Harrogate Advertiser.
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Weather for Harrogate
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
