This is how it looks today as dismantling work at Nightingale hospital in Harrogate steps up a new gear
The temporary 500-bed site was set up at Harrogate Convention Centre in April last year to cope with a surge of coronavirus cases but has never been used during the pandemic.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLast month, it was announced by the NHS earlier this month that the emergency hospital would close this month and the site handed back to Harrogate Borough Council.
The removal of the Nightingale means, in theory, Harrogate Convention Centre and Royal Hall can return to normal duties hostings shows and conferences for the first time in more than a year.
Paula Lorimer, director of the council-owned convention centre, said last month she was "confident" the town's two biggest venues would be ready for events to return on June 21 when all restrictions on social distancing are due to be lifted.
The emergency hospital was one of seven built in England and although it did not treat a single coronavirus patient, it was used for non-virus diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHealth officials also said it was a "success" that the Harrogate site was not needed but there are questions over how it would have been staffed and Coun Jim Clark, the chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, said there were "questions to be answered" and "lessons we can learn" around the non-use of the NHS Nightingale hospital in Harrogate.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.