Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is to spend £900,000 on an emergency department streaming service aimed at reducing waiting times.
Under the plans, Harrogate District Hospital patients will be assessed on arrival at A&E.
If they have a less serious illness or injury will be transferred to another part of the hospital, which will have its own designated clinical practitioners.
Hospital officials said this will allow the emergency department to “focus on patients who require urgent stabilisation, resuscitation and/or further assessment in our hospital”.
As part of the £900,000 spend, new staff will be hired and enhancements made to the existing department.
The trust said the streaming model will be introduced gradually over the next four to six months as training and building work takes place. It aims to have the new system fully operational by winter this year.
A spokesperson for HDFT said:
“The streaming model in the emergency department at Harrogate District Hospital is focused on improving the experience and timeliness of care for patients attending the emergency department.
“It will help us to reduce delays and some of the pressure in the main emergency department, which is a significant area of concern for all trusts.
“Patients arriving at the emergency department will be rapidly assessed and if they have a less serious illness or injury they will be transferred into the new stream which will have its own trained clinical practitioners with injury and minor/moderate illness skills.
“This will allow the main emergency department to focus on patients who require urgent stabilisation, resuscitation and/or further assessment in our hospital.”
Long waiting times
Latest figures show that Harrogate District Hospital had 4,331 attendances to its emergency department in April 2022.
The national standard for emergency department waiting times is to admit, transfer or discharge 95% of patients within four hours.
Harrogate District Hospital
According to NHS England figures, 66% of patients were seen within that timeframe at Harrogate hospital.
In April, West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts, which is a partnership of six hospital trusts including Harrogate, urged patients to only attend emergency departments for life-threatening injury or illnesses.
Dr Andrew Lockey, consultant physician in emergency medicine with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, which is part of the association, warned that units were “extremely busy” with waits of up to 12 hours.
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Officials at Harrogate hospital hope that the new streaming model will help to relieve pressure on the department.
The move comes as other hospital trusts across the UK have introduced similar measures.
In 2018, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust spent £500,000 on expanding Boston Pilgrim Hospital’s emergency unit in order to introduce a streaming service.
At the time, ULHT said it felt there were too many patients attending the emergency department who could be seen by a general practitioner instead.
Harrogate Spring Water unveils mindful drinking bar at Royal AscotHarrogate Spring Water unveils mindful drinking bar at Royal Ascot
Harrogate Spring Water has opened the first mindful drinking bar at Royal Ascot with celebrity guests.
The company teamed up with wellbeing advocate and former Love Islander Dr Alex George and much-loved bartender from First Dates Merlin Griffiths for the launch.
The reduced and no-alcohol bar was devised after a survey of 2,000 people showed 24% had cut down their alcohol intake post-covid.
The water brand has launched its Drinking Life In campaign with a dedicated platform encouraging people to make the most of their experiences. It also includes mindful drinking tips from Dr Alex George.
Richard Hall, managing director at Harrogate Spring Water, said:
“Our survey clearly shows how adults really are being more mindful about their alcohol intake post-lockdown as they now focus on creating memories from their experiences.
“With that in mind, it’s such a joy to bring people together to connect again at Royal Ascot as we encourage racegoers to make the most of their celebrations.”
Read more:
Harrogate wealth management firm acquired
Harrogate-based wealth manager Gore Browne Investment Management (GBIM) has entered into a deal with Hawksmoor Investment Management.
The merger means Hawksmoors is set to acquire 100% of GBIM. The amount offered has not been disclosed.
While Gore Browne and Hawksmoor will become a single enterprise, the Gore Browne name and offices will be maintained, and the business will continue to use Pershing as its custodian.
The GBIM firm has a reported funds under management of £520 million across its offices.
Chief executive of GBIM, Mark Awkwright, said:
Harrogate’s Rachel Daly makes Euro 2022 squad“For some time the Gore Browne board and shareholders have been seeking a partner who was already operating in the private client sector, to invest in our business.
“We selected Hawksmoor as this was the best fit for our clients and our people. It has always been our creed, in an increasingly unapproachable investment world, to put clients first. We have known and respected the team at Hawksmoor for many years and feel confident that together we will continue to deliver an exceptionally high quality, personal service.”
Harrogate footballer Rachel Daly has made the England squad for the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament this summer.
Daly, who went to Saltergate and Rossett schools, now plays in the United States for Houston Dash.
The full-back is also an experienced international who has made 46 appearances and scored seven goals for her country since her debut in 2016.
Manager Sarina Wiegman has used the versatile Daly as a substitute in recent fixtures.
The Lionesses have reached the Women’s Euros final twice before in their history, in 1984 and 2009.
This year’s tournament will be played in England and the squad will be hoping home advantage will give them an extra edge. They are in a group with Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland.
Daly, along with the rest of the squad, today met Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, who wished them luck.
⚽️ Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses ahead of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
A major tournament on home soil is an exciting prospect and it’s clear the players are looking forward to the opportunity to show what they can do. pic.twitter.com/RzoZ4BYvMk
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 15, 2022
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Rachel Daly dedicates England goal to late dad Martyn
- ‘She’s just my daughter!’: Rachel Daly’s dad’s pride at Olympics star
- Harrogate footballer’s journey from Killinghall Nomads to Tokyo Olympics
When do England play?
Wednesday July 6
England vs Austria, 8pm, Old Trafford
Monday July 11
England v Norway, 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Friday July 15
Northern Ireland v England, 8pm, St Mary’s
All of England’s games will be shown live on the BBC.
https://twitter.com/RachelDaly3/status/1537115164931153920?s=20&t=Hl6Dk4RnCIKTtmbWt6blwQ
New omicron strain sees Harrogate district covid rate riseThe rate of covid in the Harrogate district has more than doubled since the end of May.
Latest North Yorkshire County Council data shows there are currently 113 positive cases per 100,000 people in the district.
The rate was at as low as 52 cases per 100,000 people on May 30.
Whilst the rate has begun to climb up again for the first time since March, it is still far below the peaks seen in January and April 2022.
Source – North Yorkshire County Council
North Yorkshire County Council public health consultant Dr Victoria Turner said the rise was being driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of omicron.
The sub-variants have also caused high rates in other countries across the world.
She said:
“There is evidence that BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible than previous variants, and there is limited protection from infection with previous variants against BA.4 and BA.5.
“The ways to prevent the spread of BA.4 and BA.5 remain the same as for other covid variants. Meeting outdoors where possible or in well-ventilated areas indoors, wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces, and good hand and respiratory hygiene will all reduce the risk of transmission.”
Dr Turner said anyone who has tested positive for covid should stay at home for five days.
Covid tests are available to be purchased from pharmacies.
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Another consultation to take place on £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway
Another round of consultation is to take place on the Harrogate Station Gateway scheme.
The decision to hold a third round of consultation, in response to concerns about traffic, means the scheme is unlikely to start until winter — if at all.
The project, which would pedestrianise part of James Street and reduce some traffic on Station Parade to single lane to encourage walking and cycling, appeared certain to go ahead when North Yorkshire County Council‘s executive approved it in January.
The plan then was to submit a business case to West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is funding the initiative, by last month and for work to start later this year.
But there have been no updates since and the political landscape has changed since local elections on May 5.
Don Mackenzie, the Harrogate-based executive councillor for access who hailed the gateway as the “greatest investment in decades” in Harrogate town centre, did not seek re-election and there is a new executive team in charge at North Yorkshire County Council.
Don Mackenzie defending the scheme at a business meeting last year.
Harrogate Borough Council, which supports the scheme, faces abolition in nine months.
Now the county council is saying it will consider feedback from a new round of consultation before deciding whether to proceed.
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Karl Battersby, corporate director of business and environmental services, said today:
“We received significant feedback as part of the two consultation exercises carried out thus far, and we are grateful that local residents and businesses have engaged with this project.
“While there has been no formal legal challenge in response to issues raised regarding the consultation last autumn, we acknowledge that the impact of the changes on traffic levels and traffic flows were key issues that were raised as part of the consultation.
“We intend to provide further information on those aspects as well as consulting on the formal traffic regulation orders, which would be required to carry out the changes on James Street and Station Parade.
Mr Battersby added:
“The results of the consultation will be fully considered before a final decision is made to submit the business case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to secure the funding.
“Subject to consideration of the outcome of the consultation, work could begin during the coming winter with completion in winter 2023/24.”
Christmas shopping fears
When the scheme was approved in January, business groups called for work not to take place in the run-up to Christmas to avoid any disruption on shops at this key time.
Responding to today’s news of a possible winter start, David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The last thing town centre businesses – particularly those in retail and hospitality – want is major disruption in the run up to Christmas.
“It’s essential nothing is done to hinder trade in this important period. It is vital that if construction work has begun, then everything must be done to minimise any impact it may have.”
Mr Simister added:
“Whilst we must respect the decision taken earlier this year to press ahead with the Harrogate Station Gateway project, I welcome the news that there is going to be further consultation, in particular providing more information on the traffic modelling which was a highly contentious element of the scheme.
“I’m also interested in the materials being used, and how the area in front of Victoria Shopping Centre will look.”
Businesses are concerned about work on James Street taking place in the Christmas shopping period.
Mr Battersby responded by saying:
“Any date for the start of work on the project will be subject to feedback from the forthcoming consultation and submission of the business case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to secure the funding.
“However, we would ensure that work would avoid the Christmas period, and before work began we would develop a construction management plan, which we would share with businesses.”
Mr Battersby added the council intended to provide further information on traffic levels and traffic flows, in addition to statutory consultation on the formal traffic regulation orders, which would be required to carry out the changes on James Street and Station Parade.
The Harrogate scheme forms part of a wider £42m funding bid that also includes projects in Selby and Skipton that would support a shift towards more sustainable travel, such as walking, cycling and public transport.
Four-day union congress in Harrogate draws to closeA demonstration by ambulance workers was among the highlights of a major trade union conference in Harrogate this week.
About 500 delegates from the GMB union have been in the town for the annual congress.
It is the first time the union, which represents over 500,000 members, has held its major event in Harrogate since 1928.
The congress, which ends tomorrow, began with ambulance workers demonstrating against the ‘worst ever’ pressures they are under.
The union said calls had almost doubled to 14 million a year since 2010 and the average response time for serious calls had increased from 20 minutes to 51 minutes in the year to April 2022.
Rachel Harrison, GMB national officer, said:
“Ambulance workers have faced more than a decade of cuts while demand has almost doubled.
“It’s no wonder they are leaving in droves while the service itself is teetering on the brink of collapse.
“Our members face unbelievable stress and even abuse while they do their best to administer care and save lives.
“We need urgent investment across the health and care services, otherwise we risk an unprecedented crisis.”
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Armed police respond to ‘serious disturbance’ in Harrogate
Armed police were called to a “serious disturbance” on Skipton Road in Harrogate today.
There was a heavy police presence for over an hour when the incident happened near the junction with Westmoreland Street.
A North Yorkshire Police statement at 12.25pm said:
“We’ve just been dealing with a serious disturbance in Harrogate.
“You may still see police in the area around Skipton Road but a man has been arrested.
“The man in his 20s is on his way to custody, suspected of an affray which involved threats to another man. We’ve launched an investigation.
“Anyone who saw anything should call us on 101, select option 1 and speak to our Force Control Room. Please quote reference NYP150622-0139.”
Several witnesses, who asked not to be named, spoke to the Stray Ferret about the incident, which appeared to last for about an hour before two armed officers escorted a man in handcuffs into the back of a police van.
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A witness said the activity appeared to centre on a flat on Westmoreland Street, which can be accessed via a ginnel off Regent Parade, where most police vehicles were parked.
Several business owners told the Stray Ferret they heard a commotion for over an hour late morning.
Harrogate girl, 13, charged with drunken assault on police
A 13-year-old girl from Harrogate has been charged with assaulting three police officers.
The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also accused of being drunk and disorderly on the same day.
North Yorkshire Youth Court, sitting in Harrogate, heard on Friday that the teenager assaulted a police constable and a police community support officer in Ripon Market Place, where the girl was said to be drunk, on March 24.
She is also charged with assaulting another police constable twice on the same day at Harrogate police station on Beckwith Head Road.
In a separate case also heard on Friday, the same girl was accused of using threatening behaviour against a male in Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre on April 3 this year.
Both cases were adjourned until June 26.
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- Ripon man who tried to meet underage girls pleads guilty to carrying knife
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Grenadier Guards band coming to Harrogate
Hundreds of North Yorkshire school children will perform alongside one of the world’s oldest and most famous military bands in Harrogate this week.
About 350 children from schools will share a stage with the Band of the Grenadier Guards.
The band, known for its scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, has a history dating back 300 years and 15 monarchs.
The concert to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee will be held at Harrogate Convention Centre on Friday at 7pm.
The North Yorkshire County Schools’ Big Band, the Junior and Primary Schools Choirs and Wind Band, Richmond Chamber Choir and the County Youth Choir will also be performing.
They will play music from each decade of the Queen’s reign, including Waterloo by Abba, I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 and Hey Jude by The Beatles.
The Band of the Grenadier Guards will perform numbers including Crown Imperial, music from West Side Story, Symphony by Clean Bandit before rounding off the evening with the National Anthem.
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Ian Bangay, head of North Yorkshire county music service, said:
“North Yorkshire Music Service and school bands, orchestras and music ensembles have a long history of producing talented musicians. We are very proud that one of those former music service musicians, George Hirst, will be returning with the Grenadier Guards, which he joined last year.
“It’s a great honour and a fantastic experience for our young people to be performing with one of the world’s most prestigious and recognisable military bands to mark the platinum jubilee. It should be an evening for everyone to remember for many years to come.”
Tickets are available here.
Harrogate’s Ernest Jones jewellery store closesThe Ernest Jones shop on James Street in Harrogate has closed.
Removal vans were spotted outside the jewellery store yesterday morning.
The store has been a fixture on James Street for 20 years, having opened in 2002.
Attempts to clear the unit began yesterday morning.
There have been a number of shops opening and closing in Harrogate recently, particularly on James Street.
Last week Oliver Bonas announced its new Harrogate store would open on James Street in September.
Ernest Jones set up in 1949 in London’s Oxford Street and now has more than 100 stores across the UK.
The company did not respond to the Stray Ferret’s enquiries by the time of publication.
Read more: