Hospital bosses ‘disappointed’ after highly critical e-mail circulated

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has said it is “disappointed” after an anonymous e-mail was circulated criticising chief executive Steve Russell’s leadership.

A highly critical e-mail has been circulated to non-executive directors at the trust, the chair of HDFT, Angela Schofield, the Care Quality Commission and to the media.

The e-mail, which is anonymous, makes unsubstantiated allegations against Mr Russell and accuses him of being at the centre of a culture of fear at the hospital.

The sender of the e-mail said it had been circulated as there was “no other way to safely surface” the concerns and that it was sent anonymously because of an alleged “fear of reprisal”.

It goes on to say that staff and senior leaders at the hospital are scared to speak up and the reason for the e-mail was a result of “two years of sustained and escalating behaviour”.

It says:

“We are scared. They are scared. We are worried. They are worried. We/they cannot speak up openly even with our internal routes available.”

The Stray Ferret tried to reach out to the anonymous sender, but received a bounce back e-mail.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Russell and Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, a spokesperson said in response:

“It’s disappointing that someone feels this way and has written what they have. We are proud that colleagues across the Trust provide high quality patient care and embody our Trust values.

“There are ways to raise concerns, including anonymously, both within the Trust and with external regulatory bodies, and we provide information and support for colleagues to do that wherever appropriate.”

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The trust appointed consultancy firm Deloitte to carry out a review into the trust’s culture and leadership in August 2019.

It included Harrogate Integrated Facilities (HIF), a subsidiary which runs the hospital’s estates.

The results of the review was published in a report last year.

The review found that staff view both the board of directors and executive, which includes Mr Russell, positively, with management being “frequently described as an open and inclusive team”.

However, the report found concerns over the hospital’s estates department.

Following interviews with 52 members of staff and 63 surveys, the report found “widespread concerns” over bullying, leadership and poor recruitment practice at HIF.

Behaviour cited in a report included defacing tools or belongings with offensive graffiti, collectively ignoring or ostracising people and damaging belongings of individuals, including gluing of equipment or lockers.

After the review, the hospital board agreed to launch an investigation which will be carried out by an external body into reported bullying and poor recruitment practice in the department.

£240,000 refurbishment lined up for Sun Pavilion

A refurbishment of up to £240,000 looks set to take place at the Sun Pavilion in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens this October.

Harrogate Borough Council has advertised a contract on the government’s procurement portal of between £180,000 to £240,000.

The contract says that work will start on the pavilion on October 18.

Companies have until August 20 to bid for the contract.

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The refurbishment work must be completed by February 18, 2022.

It would include reconstruction of the floor from oversite concrete level, installing underfloor heating, insulation to the floor and new floor coverings.

Other works would see replacement of the heating system and refurbishment of the toilets.

Completed in the 1930s, the venue on Cornwall Road was restored to its original state in 1998 and was reopened by the Queen.

Today, the pavilion hosts weddings and can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Harrogate district covid rate soars — but no more deaths

Another 73 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to today’s figures by Public Health England.

The district’s seven-day covid rate of infection has rocketed to 351 people per 100,000 — the highest in North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire average is 273 and the England rate is 272.

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However, the number of patients being treated for covid at Harrogate District Hospital has declined to two.

No covid-related deaths have been reported at the hospital since April 11.

A total of 216,414 vaccinations have been given in the district, according to Public Health England statistics.

The number includes 119,202 people receiving a first dose and 97,212 second doses.

Just 10 fly-tipping fines in Harrogate district despite 2,000 reported incidents

Just 10 fines have been handed out for fly-tipping in the Harrogate district over the last three years despite almost 2,000 reported incidents.

Of those 10 fines, only four have been paid in full by criminals caught in the act dumping mounds of waste across streets, parks and the countryside.

These eye-opening figures obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service reveal how fly-tippers are going largely unpunished.

Harrogate Borough Council, which is responsible for investigating dumped waste and has powers to issue £400 fines – has insisted it is standing firm and is asking the public for help to bring those responsible to the book in court.

A council spokesperson said officers will not hesitate to take strong action against those who are caught in the act but also admitted in many cases there is nothing they can do due to a lack of evidence.

The spokesperson said: 

“Fly-tipping is a selfish crime that blights the landscape and spoils everyone’s enjoyment of our towns and countryside.

“In order to prosecute we need to carry out thorough investigations and provide substantial evidence. This can be a challenge as not all fly-tipping contain personal or business details we can investigate.

“But we will not give up tackling fly-tippers and bringing them to justice.”

Of the 1,967 dumping incidents reported to the council over the last three years, 388 have been investigated by environmental protection officers.

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These investigations have resulted in 10 fixed penalty notices being issued but only four have been paid in full at a total cost of £1,600.

The issue of fly-tipping often stokes debate over whether charges at recycling centres are driving individuals and illegally-operating waste removal businesses to dump their rubbish at the roadside.

North Yorkshire County Council, which runs recycling centres in the Harrogate district, introduced charges for dumping waste including rubble, soil and plasterboard in 2014 but said there has been little evidence to suggest these have resulted in any increase in fly-tipping levels that would warrant a rethink.

Peter Jeffreys, the county council’s head of service for waste and countryside services, said: 

“The absence of a causal link between charging and fly-tipping suggests that the removal of charges may not reduce fly-tipping levels.

“It is important to remember that there is a large percentage of fly-tipped waste that can be disposed of for free at our Household Waste Recycling Centres.”

“The majority of residents and businesses take responsibility for the waste they produce. We will continue to educate, communicate and where necessary take enforcement action to protect the environment so it is safe for all to enjoy.”

The Harrogate and District Green Party said in a statement that cheaper and more accessible ways of recycling could help reduce fly-tipping.

The party also questioned whether private landowners should face the “onerous burden” to remove dumped waste at their own expense.

The party said: 

“We need a solution that doesn’t cost individuals and small businesses to recycle their waste that is easy and convenient to access, such as smaller satellite facilities.

“The council also needs to ensure that waste is responsibly recycled and can be re-used where possible, even as an opportunity for the council to recoup costs. Most importantly, waste is not dumped in other countries.”

In numbers: How Harrogate Borough Council has investigated fly-tipping

Harrogate district divided over wearing face masks after July 19

The Harrogate district is divided over whether to wear a face mask once the legal requirement is lifted on July 19.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that wearing a face covering in shops and businesses would become a personal choice in a few weeks’ time.

But people will still be encouraged to wear them in certain circumstances.

The lifting of the requirement will come alongside the scrapping of other restrictions, including the one metre social distancing rule and the reopening of nightclubs and mass events.

The Stray Ferret asked readers on our Facebook page whether they would still continue to wear a face covering after July 19.

About 150 replied and opinion was sharply divided.

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Some said they would continue to wear masks in crowded spaces and public transport.

Danni Wilson said:

“Yes, in certain circumstances. I’ve not had a cold in nearly two years.”

Robert Schofield said:

“Out of respect for the safety of others, I will wear a mask on public transport and in enclosed public spaces and commercial spaces.”

Alex Hero added:

“Yes on public transport, busy shops and crowded areas.”

However, others said it should be up to individuals to choose whether or not to wear a face covering.

Bradley Syril said:

“Everyone’s own choice, if they want to they can but I don’t think they should judge or discriminate anyone who doesn’t. We’re all old enough and grown up enough to make our own decisions.”

Philippa Graham said:

“In some circumstances, yes. Small busy shops, crowds and public transport. It needs to be up to the individual to risk assess their own circumstances.”

Others were adamant they would not wear a face covering.

Stephen Bellamy said:

“No I won’t be wearing a mask after 19 July. That is my choice.”

Map shows second covid vaccine rate in Harrogate district

Central Harrogate has the lowest second covid vaccine uptake in the Harrogate district, according to government figures.

An interactive map created by Public Health England shows the vaccination rate in all areas of the district.

Central Harrogate, which also has the lowest first dose rate, has a second vaccine uptake of 55%.

Dishforth, Baldersby and Markington currently has a second lowest uptake with 57%.

Knaresborough North and Knaresborough South and Follifoot have the highest uptakes. Both areas have a second dose rate of 76%.

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Spofforth, Burn Bridge and Huby also have a high uptake at 76%.

Latest figures show 118,142 people have had first doses and 97,104 have had second vaccines across the district.

It means a total of 215,246 vaccinations have been given so far.

Public Heath England statistics show the district currently has a first dose uptake of 83%, while the second dose rate is 68%.

More than 100 daily covid cases in Harrogate district

The Harrogate District has recorded more than 100 daily covid cases for the first time in six months.

According to today’s Public Health England figures, 108 infections have been reported.

It takes the total number of infections since last March to 8,963.

It’s the first time the figure has been more than 100 since January 11 when 138 were reported.

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Despite the increase in infections, no covid-related deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital since April 11.

Latest figures show just two patients are being treated for covid at the hospital.

Meanwhile, 118,142 people have had first doses and 97,104 have had a second vaccines across the district.

It means a total of 215,246 vaccinations have been given so far.

Public Heath England statistics show the district currently has a first dose uptake of 82.9%, while the second dose rate is 68.2%.

Police have ‘public duty’ to tackle noisy cars, says commissioner

Police have a “public duty” to tackle noisy and speeding cars in Harrogate, says North Yorkshire’s police commissioner.

Philip Allott, who was elected North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in May, told the Stray Ferret the force had received a record number of complaints about the issue.

He said in the past four weeks, more than 20 complaints had been made about speeding and noisy vehicles.

Mr Allott said there was a “public duty to sort the issue”, which had become more prominent as the country heads out of lockdown.

He told a recent commissioner public accountability meeting that police need to be seen to be “proactive” about the issue.

Mr Allott said:

“We’re leading into post lockdown, people are now hearing noises that perhaps they didn’t before and we need to balance the sensitivities of the communities that I represent with the rights and freedoms of others.

“I think as a force, North Yorkshire Police need to be shown to be proactive but also caring. If people are speeding then we need to demonstrate that we are holding them to account.”

Last month, the force said it would be taking a “zero tolerance” approach to noisy cars and “antisocial driving of high powered” vehicles in the town centre.

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Harrogate often attracts drivers, sometimes in modified vehicles, racing around the main roads, particularly during summer.

The police pledged in a statement last month to keep up the pressure during the summer months on “the irresponsible behaviour of some drivers which is not only unsafe but also highly disruptive”.

Operation Chrome will see increased police patrols in hot spots, more speed cameras across town, vehicle stops and detailed CCTV reviews.

Superintendent Steve Thomas said:

“Residents and visitors should not have to fear for their safety or have their days blighted by this excessive noise.

“We are taking a zero tolerance approach to this dangerous behaviour.”

Harrogate district covid rate at highest since January

The Harrogate district’s covid infection rate is at its highest level since January, according to latest figures.

Currently, the district’s average cases per 100,000 people stands at 303 – the most it has been since January 17.

The district also has the highest seven-day covid rate in North Yorkshire. Craven is the second highest with 273, while the lowest is Ryedale with 161.

The North Yorkshire average is 248 and the England rate is 246.

A further 82 cases of covid have been recorded in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England statistics.

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It takes the total number of infections in the district since last March to 8,855.

Meanwhile, a total of 215,246 vaccination have been given across the district so far.

This includes 118,142 first doses and 97,104 second doses.

Latest government figures show that two patients are currently being treated for covid in Harrogate District Hospital.

However, no covid-related deaths have been recorded at the hospital since April 11.

It means the death toll at the hospital remains at 179, according to NHS England figures.

Skipton Building Society plans new office in Harrogate

Skipton Building Society has applied for permission to open a new branch in Harrogate town centre.

The company, which currently has a branch on Princes Street, plans to refurbish a unit on Cambridge Street.

The units at 33-37 Cambridge Street, which were previously occupied by Topshop and Miss Selfridge until 2017. are to be split into three.

Skipton Building Society plans to lease the central unit and refurbish it to include open plan public space, office spaces, toilets and staff space.

It has also proposed to fit five air conditioning units to the back of the building facing Petergate.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the plans would see the current branch relocated.

They said:

“The proposed new branch offers greater accessibility for our customers and will enable us to provide more facilities for them. Clearly this is all subject to planning approval and we look forward to hearing back from the council in due course.”

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In documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council’s planning department, the company said the proposal will ensure the “continued life of the building”.

It added:

“It will also ensure the property does not become unused or rundown which is important for its position.”

Sainsbury’s has also lodged plans to open a store in the same building.

The supermarket chain submitted proposals this year to open a Sainsbury’s Local at the site, which is a short walk away from Tesco Express on Cambridge Road.

The company said it intends to employ about 25 people in a mixture of full-time and part-time roles.

The council will make a decision on both proposals at a later date.