Coronavirus update - Harrogate hospital's plea as 'extremely disrespectful' visitors take photos and videos of other patients

There have been no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital and across the district's NHS trust, but the hospital has had 'Coronavirus pods' installed at its emergency department so that anyone attending hospital with symptoms of the virus can be kept isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E.

In a statement, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said: "There have been no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at the Trust.

"However, over the past couple of weeks there have been a few occasions at Harrogate District Hospital where patients and visitors have been taking photos and video of other patients – who they don’t know – receiving tests in relation to potential Coronavirus. Staff have had their photos taken as well.

"We’re very much stating the obvious here, but it’s extremely disrespectful to make recordings of strangers receiving care/tests. It’s disrespectful to make recordings of strangers full stop, healthcare setting or otherwise.

"In fairness, we generally don’t have people taking inappropriate photos on site, but clearly a small number of people have got over-excited because it’s Coronavirus-related.

"Please could we continue to be respectful and kind to each other, and do not film or take photographs of patients and staff in any clinical setting.

"Thank you – it’s much appreciated. As a reminder, all key advice and information about Coronavirus can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Please bookmark this page."