No coronavirus deaths at Harrogate hospital for eighth day running

NHS figures published today show there has not been a virus-related death at the hospital since 16 March, with its toll since the pandemic began remaining at 177.

The last time the hospital went eight days without a coronavirus death was during the week before Christmas. Since then, 71 patients have lost their lives to the disease.

It comes as the number of Covid-positive patients at Harrogate hospital has continued to fall, with six patients in beds on Tuesday - a reduction of seven from the previous week.

The figures were revealed by Amanda Bloor, accountable officer of NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, who told a meeting of the county's Local Resilience Forum on Tuesday: "It is encouraging that I can report that the number of positive cases in our hospitals continues to come down.

"It is very positive, however, we are still in national lockdown so we do need to continue to follow the guidance."

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Tuesday marked one year since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first national lockdown and health officials, volunteers and local leaders came together for the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum meeting to reflect on the last 12 months.

Mrs Bloor said: "What has really impressed me over the last year is how partners have come together across health and social care, local authorities, community groups and the general public. It really has been a joint response.

"The shared aim that we have had is around keeping our people and communities safe, and we continue to do that.

"But we all know don't we that Covid will remain a fact in our lives for some time to come so we will continue that partnership working over the next weeks, months and years."

The number of people in the Harrogate district who have had their first coronavirus vaccine currently stands at 70,138, according to NHS figures up to 18 March.

Meanwhile, the district's seven-day infection rate per 100,000 people is currently at 48.5.

This is above the North Yorkshire average of 44 and below the same figure for England of 55.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter