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12
Jan 2021
Last Updated: 12/01/2021
Coronavirus surge forces Harrogate hospital to postpone surgeries
There are currently 46 coronavirus inpatients in the hospital — more than double the figure of 19 just a week ago. This is forcing it postpone some non-emergency procedures.
Harrogate District Hospital has announced it is to postpone some non-emergency surgeries to free up space and staff to deal with coronavirus patients.
There are currently 46 coronavirus inpatients in the hospital — more than double the figure of 19 just a week ago.
The hospital has said previously it has the capacity to care for up to 100 coronavirus patients. But this is only possible if the hospital frees non-covid wards.
It is not clear yet how many appointments will be affected by the news.
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Tim Gold, the chief operating officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"Clearly, this past week has seen a very significant increase of people needing inpatient care.
"This is placing a significant strain on services at the trust.
"In response to rising numbers we are increasing the number of beds available for patients with covid on wards and in critical care.
"We will be continuing to provide urgent and cancer care during this time."
Dr Jacqueline Andrews, the executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"The trust and the wider NHS remains open to all who need us. My colleagues here at the trust are working extremely hard to ensure your safety is paramount.
"The vaccine means there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we have still have some way to go.
"We know these next week few weeks will be very tough, it impacts on all of us here as people."
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