Harrogate Nightingale contract extended until March 2021

Harrogate’s Nightingale Hospital will remain in place until March 2021 after its contract has been extended

It comes after weeks of uncertainty after NHS bosses and Harrogate Borough Council negotiated for the hospital to remain in place until next year, but will review its need in October.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month announced £3 billion of funding for the Nightingale hospitals across the UK to be maintained until the end of March if needed.

The temporary hospital, which cost £15 million to build, has to yet to treat a single coronavirus patient but has been used as a facility for outpatient CT scans since early June. The NHS is not paying any rent to the council for use of the convention centre.

Now, the Nightingale will could remain in place for a further seven months amid fears of a second spike in coronavirus cases.

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said:

“We have agreed to the NHS’s request to extend the contract due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the challenge of the current level of infections and potential for a second peak.

“The convention centre will continue in its role as a Nightingale hospital until March 31 but this will be reviewed on October 1 to assess if there is an ongoing need for the hospital.

“The events industry remains in lockdown until at least October 1 and, if there is a further rise in infections, it is unlikely we will be able to reopen anyway.

“I look forward to welcoming back our customers from the April 1, 2021, at the latest when Harrogate Convention Centre and the Royal Hall will reopen.

“We are very proud to support the NHS and the response to Covid-19 but we continue to lobby government at every level for a post-Nightingale recovery plan for the venue, and the Harrogate district.”

Meanwhile, earlier today, Cllr Jim Clark, North Yorkshire County Council chairman, and Cllr Helen Hayden, chair of West Yorkshire Joint Health Scrutiny Committee, wrote to NHS England to request that Harrogate’s Nightingale is kept until next year.

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In a letter to Richard Barker, regional director at NHS England, the councillors call for the contract to be extended until April 2021 as it is needed to serve the Yorkshire area.

Inside of Harrogate's Nightingale Hospital

The convention centre is unable to plan ahead for future events whilst the future of the Nightingale is uncertain.

Cllr Clark and Cllr Hayden said they disagreed with “dismantling” the Nightingale amid the threat of a second wave of coronavirus.

They said:

“We know there is a view in some quarters that the Nightingale Hospital should be dismantled and that the building should revert to being a convention centre. 

“We disagree. The next seven or eight months, when we are likely to see a “second wave” of the virus, on top of a “normal” increase in demand from flu patients are likely to be very difficult. 

“We think it is very likely that the Nightingale Hospital at Harrogate will be needed either for covid-19 patients or for other patients who are unable to access beds in the other West Yorkshire hospitals (and beyond) because they are filled with covid-19 patients.

“We ask that the Nightingale Hospital remain as a resource for the health system until at least April 2021 as an important part of the strategy to see us through winter. 

“We also plan to include the Nightingale Hospital as an item on the agenda for our meeting on September 30 and we would welcome your attendance at the meeting to discuss the Nightingale Hospital with us.”

James Street pedestrianisation would be welcomed, says charity

A Harrogate-based disability charity has said disabled people would welcome a temporary pedestrianisation of James Street in the town.

Disability Action Yorkshire said the move would help to create more space for shoppers, particularly those who use wheelchairs, but added that parking would be an issue.

It comes as Harrogate Borough Council made a request to North Yorkshire County Council to temporarily close to street, which it said would help with social distancing and safety.

The proposals to pedestrianise the street have long being opposed by some traders in the town.

Jackie Snape, chief executive at Disability Action Yorkshire.

But, Jackie Snape, chief executive at Disability Action Yorkshire, said she believed the move would help disabled shoppers.

She said:

“I think it would be welcomed. James Street has quite narrow pavements and for wheelchair users there is more space because it is hard to manoeuvre two metres for social distancing.

“But I think parking would be an issue if you need to park close to the shops.”

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Meanwhile, Scope, a national charity which campaigns to change negative attitudes towards disability, said disabled people should not be left behind in any changes for social distancing.

James Taylor, executive director for strategy, impact and social change at the charity, said:

“We cannot allow disabled people to be forgotten. Local authorities must engage with disabled people about the changes they are making in their communities and fully understand the potential impact before they happen.

“At a national level, the government must factor disabled people’s needs into every step of its coronavirus recovery plan.”

Any closure of James Street would be made by North Yorkshire County Council and Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said the authority would respond to the borough council’s request shortly.

It comes as James Street already has suspended parking spaces in order to widen the pavement for social distancing, which were put in place by the county council in May.

But the plan to pedestrianise the street fits into a wider strategy for Harrogate drawn up by the borough council in its 2016 Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan.

‘Significant increase’ in requests for Harrogate council tax reductions

Harrogate Borough Council has seen a 400% increase in the number of caseloads for council tax reduction amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a performance report, council officers said the caseloads had “increased significantly” in the first quarter of the year along with cases of housing benefit.

A report before senior councillors this week put the increase down to more people applying for reductions to the council.

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It said:

“Time taken to process new council tax reduction and housing benefit claims have been included in this exception report as caseloads for both performance indicators have increased significantly as a result of the pandemic and people seeking ways to help their situations. 

“For example, the case load for new council tax reduction increased by 400%”

It comes as the council received £863,157 from government this June to help reduce bills for vulnerable people by £150.

As part of the support package, those who already qualify for the council tax reduction scheme would see their bills reduced.

At the time, Wallace Sampson, chief executive of the authority, said the council was supporting those who are the most vulnerable.

County council chair urges residents to commemorate VJ Day

North Yorkshire County Council’s chairman has encouraged residents to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Japan today.

Today commemorates the surrender of Imperial Japan on August 15, 1945, which led to the end of the Second World War.

Nationally, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will lead a two-minute silence from 11am at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and the Red Arrows will perform a fly past over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London.

The BBC will also broadcast VJ Day 75: A Nation’s Tribute and screens in locations across the country will show a photo montage showcasing living Second World War veterans.

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It will include the Duke of Edinburgh who was present on board HMS Whelp in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender.

Cllr Jim Clark has called on residents in North Yorkshire to also commemorate the anniversary.

He said:

“Whatever the reason for perhaps not marking it in the past, for this 75th anniversary I would like each and every one of us to take time to remember the events of 75 years ago in whatever way you feel appropriate.

“Remember all the brave service men and women who made great sacrifices, some the ultimate sacrifice, including those of our great county, so that we enjoy the freedoms we value so much today. Remember also the large number of innocent civilians, including many children, who died because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Finally, I would like to thank all of you who have gone the extra mile over the last few months, both paid staff and volunteers. It has been North Yorkshire communities at their best and once again I invite you to stand together in remembrance and thanksgiving; against hate and prejudice; and to build stronger communities.

“This will allow us all to face an uncertain future with hope and confidence.”

Council requests temporary James Street pedestrianisation

Harrogate Borough Council has put in a request to North Yorkshire County Council for a controversial plan to temporarily pedestrianise James Street.

At the same time as the request went to the county council, Harrogate Borough Council asked for views on the scheme from the BID.

In an e-mail to levy-payers, Harrogate BID said it had been contacted by the authority looking for support on the move which could see the street closed off to vehicles.

The email said the council’s reasoning for the move was for “safety and social distancing measures” and that it would be a significant benefit for shoppers, visitors and businesses.

It added that the pedestrianisation could improve the experience for shoppers and that there was “anecdotal evidence” of an increase in speed from cars on the street due to no parking.

However, this has been fiercely opposed by traders such as William Woods and trade body Independent Harrogate.

Mr Woods said the current widened pavements was already effecting businesses on James Street and the town’s masterplan, which includes a potential pedestrianisation, is out of date.

“It’s had an adverse effect and to say that it would be helpful to pedestrianise is nonsense.

“The masterplan is out of date and we want a well organised, structured plan which is up to date.”

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Any such closure of James Street would be made by North Yorkshire County Council and Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said the authority would respond to the borough council’s request shortly.

He said:

“I can confirm that I have received a letter this week from the HBC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport, in which he requests a temporary closure of James Street. I have discussed the request with senior officers and we will be responding shortly.

“It is worth remembering that the successful bid to the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund for the £7.9 million Harrogate Gateway scheme includes partial closure of James Street on which the County Council will be consulting in the near future.”

In its e-mail, Harrogate BID said it was looking for views from businesses before responding to the borough council.

It comes as James Street already has suspended parking spaces in order to widen the pavement for social distancing, which were put in place by the county council in May.

But the plan to pedestrianise fits into a wider strategy for Harrogate drawn up by the borough council in its 2016 Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan. It states:

“The council’s preferred option is for the full pedestrianisation of James Street. This option will serve to link the public realm schemes at Prospect Square and Station Square.”

Harrogate Borough Council has been approached for comment on the proposal.

North/south councils would better serve county, says Labour

North Yorkshire would be better served with two unitary councils in the north and south of the county, says Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party.

The local Labour group said while it supports devolved powers for the county, it does not agree with county council proposals for a single authority under restructure plans.

It comes as ministers have set a requirement to reorganise the make-up of local councils ahead of any devolution bid.

But Harrogate’s opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats, have objected to the proposal for a one unitary council which would see Harrogate Borough Council and the other six districts scrapped.

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The local Labour group suggested a divided structure which would see urban areas, such as Harrogate and York, under one council and rural areas in the north under another.

It said a plan for a single authority would be too big and remote for the county.

A spokesperson for Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party said:

“Harrogate and Knaresborough Constituency Labour Party welcomes the idea of devolution of powers from central government to York and North Yorkshire as long as the budgetary devolution promises made by central government are adhered to for the foreseeable future.

“However, it totally opposes the idea of one authority based in Northallerton, as this would be too large and remote from the majority of a widely scattered population. There needs to be a geographical as well as economic reality in any proposal.”

Meanwhile, the battle to drum up support for proposals over the future of local government in the county has already started.

Districts leaders, led by Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper, have described county plans as “unworkable”, while county leaders have issued statements with endorsements from the likes of Durham and assurances from government ministers.

The campaigns to gather support are expected to continue for the next few weeks as both camps have until September to submit formal proposals to ministers.

Devolution in other shire counties

Over the Humber Bridge and into Lincolnshire, a similar battle over devolution and government restructure is taking place.

Much like North Yorkshire, the county is made up of a county council and seven district authorities. However, it also has two unitary councils in the North and North East.

As part of a devolution bid, the Conservative-led Lincolnshire County Council and its two counterparts may divide the county up under a proposed restructure.

It could see the county and its residents governed by one council in the north and another in the south.

This, as in North Yorkshire, would see the districts scrapped. As a result, leaders of the seven districts feel aggrieved and have complained of a lack of engagement from county hall.

But the message from government is that any devolution in both of the shire counties will not come until its council structure is changed. 

Police appeal after naked man ‘performs lewd act’ in Knaresborough

North Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal after receiving reports of a naked man performing a “lewd act” in Knaresborough.

Officers said the man was seen by a family walking who were through the grounds of Mother Shipton’s Cave at 4pm on Wednesday (August 12).

He was spotted by a member of the family standing on a hill and, seconds later, they realised he was performing a lewd act.

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A police statement said:

“On realising he had been seen, the naked man walked off into some bushes.

“The man is described as white, aged in his 60s, around six foot tall, of slim build, and possibly had grey hair.

“Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other information that could assist the investigation, to contact them.”

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Stephen Bromley, or email Stephen.bromley@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Yorkshire councils battle for support over devolution visions

Battle lines have been drawn between political leaders in North Yorkshire over which route to take on local council reorganisation with both sides lobbying in opposite directions for support.

County council bosses want a single council to serve the county and its 610,000 residents and sit alongside City of York Council as part of a devolution bid.

But, in the other camp, the districts, led by Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper, are seeking support for an alternative proposal to put to government.

Simon Clarke, local government minister, made local government reorganisation a requirement ahead of a York and North Yorkshire devolution bid.

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In a reflection of the political divide over the future of the county, both sides have started to pump out public statements in an effort to drum up support for their visions.

County council sets out its stall

Recently, the county council has put out statements showing support for its plan from other local authorities and one from the local government minister which said a unitary authority would be “within scope”.

On Tuesday, county council bosses released their latest effort to drum up support for their proposal with an endorsement from Durham County Council chief executive, Terry Collins.

North Yorkshire County Council leader, Carl Les.

North Yorkshire County Council leader, Carl Les.

Durham became a single council after scrapping its districts 12 years ago. Mr Collins said such a move for North Yorkshire would work as there is “no other way of operating”.

He added that the council has been able to have “strong and effective localism” through its parish and town councils, who have their own plans and deal with their own priorities.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said the endorsement shows that the county council plan would be local and not a remote authority from parts of the county.

He said:

“It will be a far cry from the remote ‘mega council’ portrayed by detractors.

“We welcome Durham’s endorsement of our plan at this time. We know our people and our places, we deliver some of the best services in the country right into people’s homes and on the roads outside their front door and you don’t get more local than that.”

The district’s alternative proposal

But, on the other side of the fence sits the districts who have described the proposal for one council as “unworkable”.

The seven district council leaders launched their own campaign on Yorkshire Day for an alternative plan to the county council and are currently seeking comments from the public.

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In a letter to businesses in the Harrogate district seen by the Stray Ferret, Cllr Cooper said the proposal for one council would be “bad for business and bad for the economy”.

He added that the move to scrap the borough council would lose the connections with the authority and local business.

The leader of Harrogate Borough Council Richard Cooper.

Cllr Cooper said to business leaders:

“The council has been at the heart of the coronavirus response, working to support business recovery and releasing c£50 million in business grant aid. 

“We were only able to do this quickly and at scale because of our knowledge of our local economy, our close links with local businesses, and our long experience of delivering grass-roots services.

“It is essential that we do not lose these valuable qualities in the coming local government reorganisation, as I hope you agree.”

The battle being fought in public by the two camps will heat up as authority leaders edge closer to the deadline for proposals to be submitted to government in September.

As the devolution “asks, which propose a £2 billion deal for York and North Yorkshire, are also submitted, attention will turn to government which is expected to outline its devolution white paper next month.

Harrogate hospital receives £527,000 to upgrade A&E department

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has received £527,000 in funding to help increase capacity at Harrogate hospital’s accident and emergency department.

The money comes as part of a £300 million funding pot announced by the government for hospital trusts across the country.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 117 trusts will be granted the extra money to prepare for winter and further outbreaks of coronavirus.

A total of £53 million has been handed to 21 trusts across the North East and Yorkshire, with Harrogate receiving £527,000.

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As part of the funding, hospital bosses in Harrogate said the money will go towards modernising the A&E department and improve other facilities such as x-rays.

Jonathan Coulter, director of finance and deputy chief executive at the hospital trust, said:

“We’re really pleased to have received this investment. It will go towards modernising our emergency department at Harrogate District Hospital, giving us enhanced capacity ahead of winter.

“It means we will be able to adapt our space to better facilitate social distancing. The money will also go towards improving our diagnostic facilities, including x-ray provision.

“Hospital staff are currently working very hard to provide safe care for patients in environments which we’ve carefully had to adapt and reorganise as a result of the pandemic. They’re doing a brilliant job. 

“This money allows us to properly invest and will put us in a better place before winter.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, said the money will help to put the hospital in a good position ahead of winter.

He said:

“Winter may seem a long way off but planning ahead is essential if we want our NHS to cope with the additional pressures that cold weather brings. In addition to those seasonal pressures we can expect the covid-19 pandemic to still be with us although hopefully in a much reduced and more contained way.

“Our local NHS services are highly-rated by users; our staff are talented and dedicated professionals praised by the Care Quality Commission as outstanding for their caring approach. We need to ensure that facilities like A&E match the public expectation and the professionalism of our staff.  This investment will enable that expectation to be met during a time of peak pressure.

“So while we hope for the best this winter, it’s right that we plan for the worst. This funding to upgrade A&E across the trust will ensure that we are in the best possible position for the challenges that the winter months may bring.”

County ‘way off’ lockdown but ‘stay vigilant’, says public health director

North Yorkshire’s director of public health has called for people to remain vigilant despite the county being “way off” a local lockdown.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant said the average number of cases of coronavirus in the county remains low, with areas like Harrogate averaging around 10 cases per week.

Currently, 736 cases have tested positive in the district, with 2,601 in the wider county according to Public Health England figures.

But recent local lockdowns in Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale have raised concern that similar measures could be taken in the county

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A local lockdown was imposed in parts of West Yorkshire following fears of a second spike in coronavirus infections. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the prevalence of the virus was “likely to be rising” in England.

But Dr Sargeant said the county is “way off” the rate of cases compared with areas on the government’s watchlist, such as Barnsley. The rate of cases in North Yorkshire is currently at around 420 per 100,000 people, but the South Yorkshire town is nearly double that at 821.

However, Dr Sargeant told the Stray Ferret that people should remain vigilant despite the low number of cases. He said:

“We have to be vigilant because things can change rapidly and it does not take much to import cases from areas like West Yorkshire.

“A lot of this is in people’s control and the virus itself has not really changed. The same things we need to battle it has not changed.”

It comes after, last week, figures from Public Health England showed an increase of six cases in the Spofforth, Burn Bridge and Huby area.

But Dr Sargeant said an increase in testing and the council’s track and trace system has led to the authority tackling cases early.

For him, the method of tackling the virus locally was to test aggressively and investigate further.

Dr Sargeant added that knowing who you are spending time with was a good way of avoiding the virus. He said:

“If you can confidently recount who your contacts are then that is a good start. I would not be confident if you did not know who they were.”