Harrogate hospital coronavirus death toll rises to 127 after patient numbers hit record high

NHS figures released over the weekend show one death was reported on Thursday and Friday, followed by two deaths on Saturday, to bring the hospital's toll since the pandemic began up to 127.

Earlier last week, staff issued a fresh stay at home plea to Harrogate residents after reporting that the number of Covid-19 patients in beds had risen to 57 - a figure which had broken its record three times during January.

David Mattinson, medical registrar at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, previously said the hospital had been "exceptionally busy" over the weeks following Christmas and urged people to "please stay at home and follow national guidance".

The increase in patient numbers and deaths comes as Harroagte's seven-day infection rate per 100,000 people has dropped again to 173. That is below the national average of 278.

At the start of January, Harrogate hospital announced it was postponing some non-urgent surgery to free up staff to help deal with the increasing numbers of Covid patients

Urgent cases and cancer care are not affected, and the hospital trust said people should still seek medical help in emergencies and attend appointments.

In non-emergencies, patients should call NHS 111.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter