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10
Jan
Harrogate hospital increases theatre capacity amid rise in ice-related injuries
Harrogate District Hospital has put on extra capacity for its operating theatres amid an influx of fall-related injuries due to icy conditions.
The Harrogate district was hit by heavy snowfall last Sunday and plummeting overnight temperatures have caused treacherous conditions on footpaths and side roads.
A Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson confirmed to the Stray Ferret that the hospital had seen a rise in the number of injuries due to the bad weather, including bone fractures.
The spokesperson added:
Whenever it is icy and snowy we tend to see an increase in injuries associated with falls. This has been the case over the last few days and we have sadly seen more hip fractures and wrist fractures because of the bad weather.
As a consequence, we have put on extra capacity for ‘trauma’ theatre time to deal with those fractures needing an operation.
Our Emergency Department has been particularly busy recently leading to longer waiting times for treatment. Unless it’s a life-threatening or severe illness or injury, we would advise people to contact NHS 111 first. The NHS will help you right away and if you need urgent care, the NHS can book you in to be seen quickly and safely.
People with life-threatening and serious illnesses or injuries should continue to dial 999 and anyone who arrives at A&E without calling NHS 111 will still receive medical care, with those needing emergency treatment prioritised.
The Stray Ferret asked the hospital trust whether it could give figures for the number of injuries in recent days and how much capacity had been put on in theatres, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Ice on Montpellier Hill.
It comes as multiple people have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to complain over the icy conditions in Harrogate.
Diana Spurr, 80, and Mike Streeton, 75, told us that the pavements and side roads were extremely dangerous and posed a threat to people’s safety.
Mr Streeton told the Stray Ferret the couple were walking in Harrogate town centre on Tuesday (January 7) when Mr Streeton slipped on the ice and took Ms Spurr down with him.
Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Council has been criticised for its response to the icy conditions. Some have called on the authority to do more to tackle slippery pavements.
However, Cllr Carl Les, Conservative leader of the council, defended the council’s response and said it was working alongside contractors to tackle the problem in Harrogate.
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