This is Harrogate Convention Centre's message to NHS Nightingale heroes as emergency hospital starts to take shape

The convention centre - which normally plays host to lifestyle shows, expos and conferences - is being rapidly converted to house 500 beds for coronavirus patients as the district steps up its fight against pandemic.

The site has this week been a hive of activity with the arrival of security guards, army officials and scores of construction workers, before the highly-anticipated formal announcement was made today by NHS England.

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Now, the venue's director, Paula Lorimer, has said it will do all it can to support frontline workers who are playing a key role in the battle against covid-19.

She said: “At Harrogate Convention Centre, we are proud to support the NHS and are enormously grateful to, and in awe of, our health and care professionals.

"They are truly heroic in responding to covid-19. We, and no doubt the entire town, will do all we can to support their efforts. We are working closely with our partners and colleagues at Harrogate Borough Council, and I thank them for their support and clear direction on ensuring the challenge of transforming our building is met swiftly.

"I would also like to thank all of the staff at the venue, who without hesitation came back to their posts to ensure the Nightingale Harrogate Hospital will open on time.”

Harrogate's emergency effort comes ahead of the first NHS Nightingale hospital at London’s Excel centre, which is being officially opened today.

The site in the capital has 4,000 beds - and if it did reach capacity, it would be one of the largest hospitals in the world.

Other hospitals will open in Birmingham and Manchester, holding 3,000 beds between them.

The next will be in Bristol, which will have 1,000 beds if needed, while the one at Harrogate Convention Centre will be able to care for up to 500 patients.

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The Nightingales are part of a nationwide effort to respond to the greatest global health emergency.

These measures mean that capacity still exists in hospitals to deal with the infection, with the Nightingales standing ready if local services need them beyond that.

Harrogate Convention Centre said in a further statement: "For all those we work with in our town, we know you will do your utmost to accommodate and support the frontline staff who will be playing such a vital role in the battle against covid-19.

"We are sure the Harrogate community will welcome the hard-working doctors, nurses, health professionals and support workers during this difficult time.

"Once this crisis is over, we will all want to look back with pride in how we responded."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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