Harrogate NHS boss pleads with public not to break rules this Christmas in fear of Covid spike

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The Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is calling on residents to act responsibly and to adhere to social distancing wherever possible.

Trust Chief Executive, Steve Russell, says he understands the desire to visit family and friends over Christmas but fears the easing of restrictions could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases in the area.

It comes after the Government said it will not make any changes to the Christmas mixing-rules, despite claims from top medical experts that the plans could see a huge spike in cases of Covid-19.

Current plans will allow up to three households or support bubbles to mix indoors and stay together overnight from December 23-27 - but the Government has said people will be urged to stay local where possible and to think carefully about who they bubble with, such as avoiding the elderly or at-risk relatives.

Mr Russell has made the difficult decision not to see family members from outside his household during the reprieve - and while he is not saying others must do the same, he hopes they will take the potential repercussions into account during their Christmas plans.

He added: “As the rules are relaxed for Christmas it is a fact that transmissions will rise. The virus will not be taking a holiday just because of the time of year and it is important to be as vigilant as possible. The rise in cases is not inevitable yet and I would urge people to follow the restrictions wherever they can.

“Every day it is possible not to mix will make a difference.”

He is also reassuring residents they will be safe and well looked-after if they need to seek treatment over the Christmas period.

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It comes after a former lead cancer nurse in West Yorkshire raised concerns that some people had avoided getting their health issues checked out for fear of contracting or spreading coronavirus or putting extra strain on the NHS at an already challenging time.

Mr Russell said: “Please do not sit and suffer in silence - if you have a concern then please make sure you get it checked or attend any appointments you have.

“There are so many services available to use - whether that be virtual or in person - and there is nothing to worry about. You will be safe and you will not be seen as a burden. Our job is to look after people who need our help and although Covid-19 is very important, it is not the only health problem we are here to deal with.”

Most routine services and appointments at the Trust have now been restored and Mr Russell says teams are doing everything they can to prepare for a busy Christmas period and plans are in place to respond to demand.

Community teams have been expanded, dedicated Covid beds are ready and staff will be working hard over the holidays to ensure everyone is catered for.

Residents are also being reminded that the hospital and associated health teams will not be closed for Christmas and non-Covid-related services will still be taking place.

“The NHS does not take a holiday and we will still be here for you and your needs during the festive season,” Mr Russell said. “Our staff work so hard and will continue to put others first by working shifts across Christmas, making sure our services can run as smoothly as possible. They have shown such commitment this year - and every year - and that will be no different through December and into 2021.”

One staff nurse from the Byland ward at Harrogate District Hospital, who will be working over Christmas, said she was determined not to let the difficulties dampen spirits for her team or her patients and will be committed to providing some much-needed festive cheer.

She said: “This year has been tough but we have got through it by supporting and helping each other as much as we can - and even though we haven’t been able to socialise like normal we have still been able to be there for each other at work.

"A lot of our patients and staff don’t get to be with their families over Christmas but we always try and lighten everyone’s spirits and make the best of it with lots of treats and fun. We know it’s not easy for everyone but we hope we can still make sure everyone has something to smile about.”

The Trust has said a huge thank you to the community and all of its staff and volunteers for their continued hard work throughout the pandemic and knows their efforts will continue over Christmas.

Mr Russell added: “We would just like to say thank you to people in the community who have supported us in so many ways and to the 4,500 plus people we have working in our teams.

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“Every single one of you has made sure we have been able to get through 2020 and every single one will get us through 2021 as well.”