Harrogate District Hospital 'well prepared' as country enters second Covid lockdown

Harrogate buses to wear poppies as towns marks 75 years since the end of World War Two

Plans are in place at Harrogate District Hospital to protect it from becoming overstretched as cases of coronavirus rise and the country heads into a second lockdown.

Tim Gold, Chief of Operations at the hospital, says the Harrogate and District NHS Trust is in a solid position to deal with the potential winter spike, with plenty of PPE equipment, more detailed knowledge of how to treat the virus and extra space for patients in critical care.

He told the Harrogate Advertiser: “We are in a much better position than we were in the first wave earlier in the year as we now have a much more detailed understanding of coronavirus.

“We have planned ahead and know we have the capacity to keep Covid patients on their own ward, with capacity to change other wards if the time comes.

“We also have plenty of stock of PPE and all the specialist kit and equipment we need to fight the virus.”

Although the hospital is currently in a relatively stable position, with 12 Covid patients occupying beds and one in critical care, the Trust is gearing up to see a spike similar to that of other hospitals across the region in coming weeks.

According to Mr Gold, the hospital’s coronavirus peak during the first lockdown came two-to-three weeks after other Trusts in Yorkshire, something he expects will be the case this time around.

But a ‘Surge’ plan has now been activated, with a dedicated Covid ward opening, which will be able to accommodate up to 30 patients at any one time. And as the numbers rise, the Trust will be able to ‘flip’ wards, meaning more space will be made to care for patients with the virus. Up to 15 ‘level three’ critical care beds will also be made available to help during the second wave.

Lidl reveal new Harrogate store plans with pledge of jobs boost

Mr Gold added: “Our staff are very tired from managing Covid for a long period of time but they are very dedicated and we are in a much better position than before. We have a clear plan and this can be escalated as things progress.

“We are doing everything we can to keep people as safe as possible.”

With the second wave looming and new nationwide restrictions now in place, Trust Chief Executive Steve Russell wants to reassure residents the situation is under control and no one should be afraid of seeking medical assistance if they need it.

He says non-Covid related services are currently continuing as normal and will only be halted if absolutely necessary.

Mr Russell added: “Lockdown looks very different for us this time around and we want everyone to know that we are in a better position to keep services running for as long as we possibly can.

“The message earlier in the year seemed to be ‘stay away’, but we don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t come to the hospital or visit their GP if they need medical attention. Everyone’s health is important and is still our priority.

“The NHS is absolutely here for people who need it. Of course, it must be used wisely but we have more than 4,500 colleagues working hard to provide amazing care for people all across the district and no one should miss out.”

But in order to protect staff and services as much as possible this winter, the Trust is urging the public to support the NHS as much as possible and do their bit to limit the spread of coronavirus. Mr Russell said: “The best thing anyone can do right now is follow the rules and restrictions.

“We know it’s difficult and unpleasant but it’s really important we all do it. Our staff are exhausted and anxious but they are working tirelessly to ensure we get through this.

18 pictures looking back at Harrogate bonfires over the years

“What we need now is for everyone to work together.”