The death of a nurse who had been treating coronavirus patients at Harrogate District Hospital has prompted further concern about the level of protection given to staff.

Nurse Zauma Ekoli was known as Josie

Zauma Ekoli, who was 55 and had five children, died on Monday at Leeds General Infirmary after working on wards in Harrogate.

Daughter Naomie said her mother, who had worked on a coronavirus ward, called the provisions of personal protective equipment (PPE) available “poor” but said her mother continued to work in the job that “meant everything to her”.

“If they don’t work, then we won’t be treated, so the least they could do is up the PPE so they can make sure it doesn’t happen to another family,” she said.

Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust said it has sufficient supplies.

A spokesperson said:

“The Coronavirus pandemic has presented the NHS with many challenges, one of which is the significant increase in the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

“We have implemented the national guidance as published by Public Health England. This is very clear about what PPE should be used in which situation to protect our staff. We have enough PPE in stock, and are getting regular deliveries of new items. It is a challenge and we’re doing all we can to maintain provision.”

The Stray Ferret has received a significant number of reports of staff going without vital equipment. Individual members of staff felt unable to speak openly about the problems they faced, but many have expressed their gratitude for the additional equipment being delivered by the community.

Groups in Harrogate have mobilised to source and create PPE, including sewing hundreds of sets of scrubs for staff to wear while on shift.

The spokesperson for Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust added:

“We would like to say thank you to local schools, businesses and organisations who have very generously supported us by producing and providing Personal Protective Equipment, complementing what we are receiving via the NHS supply chain.”

‘Top priority’

Meanwhile, the director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council this week put a call out for support from businesses able to create medical-grade face masks for us across health and social care services.

Richard Webb said although a delivery of PPE was received in the county last week, it was not clear when more would arrive. With government guidance on the use of protective equipment changing frequently, and staff across the NHS and social care services all needing the same supplies, any deliveries would not last long.

Speaking to The Stray Ferret on Monday evening, he said:

“What we really want is a regular supply of this equipment and at the moment that’s not coming through in the way that the NHS and councils and care providers need it.

“The government have given it a really top priority on Friday night when they announced their new plan. We need to see during the coming week much more regular supplies of the right kit.”

Six weeks ago, four Knaresborough women met for the first time to discuss what might happen if there was a coronavirus outbreak in the UK. 

Now, they are coordinating 150 volunteers via the Knaresborough Coronavirus Support group on Facebook and preparing to do even more over the coming weeks. 

Maggie Walker, Natalie Whitwham, Shona Read Lang and Sarah Chisem first met up as the impact on other countries was becoming more clear. Their foresight meant they were well prepared when the restrictions came in and people began looking for help on the Facebook group. 

“We were trying to make sure people had the evidence-based information because we didn’t want to scaremonger,” said Sarah. “There were a lot of things going around and we wanted to keep away from that and have a really clear, concise message that we can help you.” 

Maggie Walker, Sarah Chisem and Shona Read Lang have been part of the team coordinating Knaresborough community support from their homes

The group on Facebook began to grow, as did the team of organisers. Helen Fearne and June Graham joined the original quartet, while Knaresborough Connectors, the town’s Chamber of Trade and the Lions Club all offered practical support. 

Now, with 150 volunteers signed up to help, the group is answering all kinds of needs. It has a virtual map, enabling the core team to match requests for help with those able to assist in the surrounding area. 

As well as practical support such as shopping and collecting prescriptions, some isolated people have simply wanted a friendly conversation over the phone.  

“Last week, we did a big leaflet drop which made people more aware of the help available,” said Sarah. “Initially, we were going on the Facebook page, but a lot of our older community members don’t have access and don’t want to use it.” 

It is not only elderly people who need help: there are vulnerable adults in their 20s and 30s, and even some families who have had to self-isolate from the outset, who have called for assistance. 

New challenges

Over the coming weeks, the organisers are preparing for new challenges to arise. People unable to leave the house may not have cash to pay volunteers for their shopping and some do not use online banking, so plans are in place to ensure they can still get essentials. 

“We haven’t yet had to use all the volunteers,” said Sarah.  

“My thoughts are, going into another three weeks of lockdown at least and coming out of it, we’re going to have people in isolation for at least 12 weeks and they will be getting to the point that they need help soon. Maybe their neighbours can’t help as much as they did to begin with. I think it will be steady, but as word gets around we will get more requests.” 

For the core team of organisers, the demands of ensuring all needs are met can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially as they juggle their own work and family lives. Last week, they took time out for a virtual lunch together to ensure they were taking care of themselves too. 

“What has been great is, as a group, if someone is struggling, someone else has taken the reins that day,” said Sarah. “It was very full-on for the first two weeks, trying to get everything in place.” 

The coronavirus crisis could help “drag the council into the 21st century,” according to the leader of one of its committees. 

Coun Chris Aldred, who chairs the Overview & Scrutiny Commission at Harrogate Borough Council, said he hopes an enforced move to online meetings will lead to more modern ways of working in the long term. 

He put forward a proposal for committee meetings to be available to view online in December, but it was turned down by the General Purposes Committee in January. Now, HBC is looking into setting up online meetings in order to allow its work to continue during the coronavirus crisis. 

Coun Aldred, the Liberal Democrat representative for Fairfax ward, said: “It’s a slightly different scenario to what I was envisaging. If it does drag us into the 21st century, like a lot of things we will find when we return out of this present scenario, things will change in all sorts of ways.  

“Some kinds of meetings where the public don’t have to physically come into the same place is a good thing – giving people more access to the decision-making.” 

Rescheduling meetings

Earlier this month, the government issued new guidance to local authorities encouraging them to set up virtual meetings to enable routine council work to continue. Now, the council is working to find ways for officers and councillors to meet online. 

A spokesman for HBC said: “Following the government go-ahead, we are now looking at what software would be appropriate to allow remote meetings to take place at Harrogate Borough Council.  

“We hope to have this in place in the coming weeks and will begin with rescheduling some of the previous meetings that had to be postponed. Once we have a clear timetable it will be made available on our website and on social media.” 

Coun Chris Aldred

Rejecting the streaming proposal in January, the General Purposes Committee said the cost would be too high to justify with the expected low take-up from the public. It also argued that, with attendance usually very low, putting meetings online would only discourage people from coming to meetings in person. However, Coun Aldred – who chairs the Overview & Scrutiny Commission – rejected that argument.

“I thought it was idiotic, to be honest.The more access we can give people and they see councils in particular, but government in general, that can only be a good thing.

“We’re quite a big district, from Pateley Bridge to Boroughbridge,” he said. “These meetings are traditionally held at not the best time for people who have a job to come and see what’s going on.  

“[With online streaming] people could dip in and out and see the bits they want, such as planning – people are interested in planning decisions. They could see what’s happening and what the arguments are. 

“I really don’t think there’s anything controversial about it. Other councils are already doing it by putting their meetings on YouTube. I can only see it being a good thing.”

The peak of the coronavirus crisis has not yet hit North Yorkshire, but irregular and unreliable supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are putting front line workers at risk.

North Yorkshire County Council’s director of health and adult services, Richard Webb, told The Stray Ferret that constantly changing government guidelines on the use of PPE are making it hard to predict how much is needed – and he doesn’t yet know when the next supplies will be delivered.

While gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser are all needed, the most urgent problem is finding face masks offering the right grade of protection. The type IIR face masks are in high demand around the country because they prevent fluids from passing through when staff are caring for patients.

Richard Webb

Mr Webb said: “We are asking anyone who is a producer of the right type of PPE to get in touch. We are asking businesses or schools who might be able to produce PPE, can they begin to mobilise their production. That would be really appreciated.

“That’s across the board: it’s for us, it’s for the wider care sector, it’s for the hospitals and community health service and GPs. If people are able to produce what’s required to the right spec, we would really welcome them to get in touch.”

A new PPE plan was announced by the government on Friday, with additional guidance issued over the Easter weekend. These constantly changing requirements make it even harder for the council to know how long supplies will last.

Mr Webb said the local resilience forum, which is a combination of councils, the NHS, the military and police, has been working to try to find supplies and get them to the right places. With the peak of the crisis still to come in North Yorkshire, demand will only grow.

“The figures nationally and in Yorkshire are increasing so we are still not yet at the peak date. We will expect to see an increase in cases over the coming weeks.”

NYCC’s chief executive, Richard Flinton, had previously issued a call to suppliers to help get products to the front line, while community groups have been working together to source equipment. Mr Webb thanked everyone who has contributed supplies so far, as well as reiterating advice to stay at home and follow hand-washing guidelines in order to reduce the spread of the virus.

He added:

“What we really want is a regular supply of this equipment and at the moment that’s not coming through in the way that the NHS and councils and care providers need it. The government have given it a really top priority on Friday night when they announced their new plan. We need to see during the coming week much more regular supplies of the right kit.”

Anyone who can help supply equipment should email procurement@northyorks.gov.uk.

The ever-changing challenge of the crisis

Less than 10 days ago, North Yorkshire County Council said it was well supplied with PPE.

This new appeal shows just how quickly the situation is changing: demand grows by the day, with added pressure as the government issues further guidance on the use of PPE across medical and social settings.

Evidence from those on the front line confirms that supplies aren’t reaching where they’re most needed. Over the weekend, care home operator MHA confirmed a number of its residents had died after displaying symptoms of coronavirus, and said it was desperately short of PPE across its 133 homes.

Hundreds of thousands of people up and down the country are using the same kit. While visors are being produced by schools and hand sanitiser made by businesses, it is the high-grade protective equipment, such as masks, which are harder to procure from alternative sources.

Usual supplies have been depleted, with manufacturers struggling to meet demand coming not just from the UK but internationally. With the peak of the crisis expected to hit North Yorkshire in the coming weeks, front line workers will be more desperate than ever to have access to the equipment they need to reduce the risks they are taking while caring for the most vulnerable people in society.

There has been one more coronavirus-related death at Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust in the latest information released by the NHS.

The patient died yesterday, Friday April 10th, bringing the total number of deaths at the hospital to 21. Of those, 12 have been in the last week, with the first death on March 16th.

Nationally, NHS England has confirmed a further 823 fatalities today, with patients aged between 11 and 102. Thirty-three of those, aged between 29 and 94, had no known underlying health conditions.

The number of confirmed deaths only covers those in hospital. Any in the community, including care homes, are not counted.

No statistics have been released about the number of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus before recovering and being discharged from hospital.

Law firms across the Harrogate district are collaborating in an unprecedented way in order to meet changing demands during the coronavirus crisis.

Harrogate and District Law Society has reported a rise in demand for wills and powers of attorney, as people see the worrying news of more deaths each day.

Solicitors are also trying to keep routine work moving during the crisis, including dealing with emergency applications to family courts and processing house purchases.

Georgina Parkin, president of The Harrogate and District Law Society and managing director of Truth Legal Solicitors, said: “Over the years, lawyers in this area have always collaborated.

“During these unprecedented times, I am pleased to report that lawyers are collaborating to far higher level than I have known, all in the best interests of their clients. Once coronavirus is defeated, my hope – and my expectation – is that this collegiate attitude will continue.”

As the coronavirus has unfolded, lawyers have been sharing useful updates, such as changing court opening hours or ways of working, including hearings using video conferencing software.

On behalf of the society, Ms Parkin thanked staff and judges at Harrogate Justice Centre, which is continuing to deal with cases, as well as to police, prison officers, social workers, and postal and delivery staff who are keeping the process of justice going. Meanwhile, a litigation trial was held by video conference for the first time last week, while family courts are responding quickly to emergency applications during the crisis.

With many solicitors working from home and juggling the pressures of balancing home life and casework, especially with clients distressed by the situation, Ms Parkin said the law society was offering additional support for members’ mental health.

She added: “In Harrogate and district, the rule of law is alive and well even during these trying times. The solicitors in our region are adapting to these challenging times and continue to provide their clients with an excellent level of service.”

Doctors’ surgeries across the Harrogate district will be offering bank holiday appointments as the NHS continues to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said appointments will be available on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and some practices will be working together as a ‘hub’.

Anyone needing an urgent appointment should call their GP practice, rather than visit in person, and they will be advised over the phone or asked to come in to the surgery.

On Saturday and Sunday, the usual weekend arrangements will be in place, with anyone needing medical advice asked to call NHS 111.

Meanwhile, community pharmacies will be open for a minimum of three hours from 2-5pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with some open for longer. Saturday’s opening hours will be the same as normal, while the usual Easter Day opening hours will apply on Sunday.

Parents across the Harrogate district are being offered a helping hand to keep children of all ages entertained. 

From pre-school groups sending out video activities to school children gaining skills from new sources, generous local professionals are offering free support to parents struggling to fill the days with something educational. 

Photographer Charlotte Hedgecock is usually at her busiest in the spring and summer months, capturing people’s wedding days on camera. During the week, her work is mostly commercial, including photographing client homes for a kitchen company. Under social distancing rules, however, her diary is completely empty. 

“Two weeks ago was meant to be the first wedding of the season,” she said. “I’ve had five rescheduled so far, some for later this year and some for next year. 

“I’ve still got four booked in for May, then four or five in June, and the same in July and August. I don’t know what will happen with those yet.” 

Charlotte Hedgecock, right, usually spends her summers capturing wedding days on camera

Rather than worrying, Charlotte decided to fill her time by setting up a series of free online classes for budding young photographers. Each week, she will release one lesson via her Facebook page, challenging students to improve their skills in different ways. The whole course will last for ten weeks. She said: 

“I thought this could help people if they’ve got children at home. Everybody’s got a camera phone. It’s good to get them thinking about something more creative and learning about the technology.” 

Music online

For Karen Allen, who has run Singamajigs classes for pre-schoolers for the last 15 years, the move online didn’t come naturally. 

Used to running her music classes in village halls or at the Kidzplay soft play centre in Harrogate, the idea of trying to recreate something professional for people to join at home was at first daunting. 

Singamajigs classes usually involve a lot of interaction for children and parents

“I wasn’t going to do anything,” she said. “You see all these people on the television who are so good at it – how do I compete with that? 

“Then I was talking to one of my mums and she said, ‘we just want you, because my daughter knows you’.”

Karen has opted not to charge for the classes she has run so far, but may introduce a pay-as-you-feel system in the coming weeks. She recognises that many people are in financial difficulty, but still need to have access to activities for their children. Her priority is keeping a sense of community, even from a distance. 

“Parents are connecting with me because they just want to know it’s OK,” she said. “Some are really struggling and you can hear it.  

“For me, as long as we survive financially, it’s not about charging, it’s about keeping the community I’ve had for many years together. It’s about staying safe and staying connected with the families I know.” 

A reminder has been issued to cyclists to follow social distancing guidelines as more and more people take to two wheels for exercise.

A combination of lighter nights and improved weather has seen the number of cyclists increase significantly over the last fortnight. That has also been boosted by the number of vehicles on the roads falling to 1955 levels, according to data released last week.

Some cyclists have come under fire for leaving their local area, with a sign being put up in Huby this week warning cyclists not to risk spreading the virus. North Yorkshire Police said cycling is still acceptable even during the coronavirus lockdown, but said precautions still need to be taken.

A sign put up in Huby warning cyclists to stay away. Picture by Thomas Barrett

Major Collision Investigation Sergeant Karen Aldridge said: “As long as people follow the government’s rules about how they exercise and observe social distancing while they do it, we want to give people the knowledge they need to ride safely.

“North Yorkshire is a beautiful county with a strong cycling scene and 6,000 miles of roads. That’s plenty of road for everyone if all road users stick to the law, take sensible precautions and look out for one another.”

The force’s advice includes:

• planning routes and telling someone where you’re going and your expected return time, especially if you are cycling in a remote location
• using dedicated cycle paths, especially when riding with children, as HGVs are still on the roads delivering essential supplies
• checking the bike is roadworthy before setting off, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while
• wearing reflective clothing and using lights and reflective discs, as well as riding towards the centre of the lane where you are most visible to other road users
• ensuring any face protection does not restrict your head movement
• using hand signals when turning
• making eye contact with drivers and pedestrians to ensure they have seen you
• helping motorists to pass at a safe distance by filtering down to single file.

Sgt Aldridge said officers are working hard to enforce speed limits, after reports that some drivers are using excessive speeds on quieter roads. She reminded drivers to “expect the unexpected around each corner” and to pass cyclists when safe to do so, at a minimum distance of 1.5m.

She added: “The government measures make it clear that cyclists need to practise social distancing and should only ride alone or with people from the same household. Please remember that, as our officers are out on patrol ensuring people follow these rules.”

Politicians from across parties have praised the efforts of everyone working to create a Nightingale hospital in Harrogate.

From calling for greater funding for the NHS to looking ahead to the way the country works once the crisis is over, each party has given its own perspective.

The Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Green Party all expressed gratitude for the hard work being done to set up the hospital at Harrogate Convention Centre, as well as to the doctors, nurses and other staff already treating patients at Harrogate District Hospital.

‘Enormous debt of gratitude’

The Liberal Democrats’ 2019 prospective parliamentary candidate Judith Rogerson said: ”We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the people who have been working so hard this week to transform the Convention Centre into a Nightingale Hospital.

“To put together such a major project in such a short space of time is hugely impressive. This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone which makes it all the more wonderful that so many people in our community are pulling together to look after each other in so many different ways.”

‘Value our public services’

News of the hospital was welcomed by the Labour Party in the Harrogate district.

A spokesman said: “We salute all the frontline workers and their tireless efforts to keep us safe. We call on the government to ensure that they in turn are kept safe, and that they get all the personal protective equipment, testing and support that they need. 

“This pandemic has exposed the fragility in the system caused by ten years of chronic under-investment. This must be a wake-up call for our region and country in how we value our public services and the staff of those services in the future.” 

‘Selfless approach’

The Green Party also recognised the hard work of NHS staff and called for greater recognition and support of the vital roles played by many people in society.

A spokesman added: “What we all need to do now is continue to support our amazing health service by doing everything we can to avoid contracting or spreading the virus, but also start to think about the direction we want to take after this global crisis: it is now crystal-clear that going back to wasteful and damaging ‘business as usual’ is not an option.

“After this wake-up call, we will surely work for a world where we continue to support each other, by resolving to further develop the benevolent and selfless approaches we have seen so much of recently.” 

The Stray Ferret asked Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, for a comment, but has not received a response.