88 people have died in Harrogate after testing positive for coronavirus with 35 of those deaths recorded in the town’s care homes.

Each week on a Tuesday the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals how many people have died outside of hospitals.

The number of hospital deaths is released on a daily basis by the NHS – Harrogate District Hospital has so far recorded 49 coronavirus deaths.

Update: Harrogate District Hospital has not reported any more coronavirus deaths in today’s new figures. A further 366 people have died in England’s hospitals.

Last week, the ONS data which included deaths up to April 17 revealed that there had been 22 deaths outside of hospitals.

This week, the data goes up to April 24 and now shows that there have been 39 deaths outside of hospitals.

In Harrogate, two people have died from coronavirus in their homes and two have died in “other communal establishments,” so the majority of deaths outside of hospitals were in care homes.

The data also gives an overview of the rest of the country’s care homes where there is an average of 20 care home deaths. Harrogate is above the national average at 35 deaths.

When the ONS data, bearing in mind that it only goes up to April 24, is added to the latest numbers from hospitals it confirms that 88 people so far have died with coronavirus in Harrogate.

As of last Thursday, Harrogate District Hospital has also released 70 patients after recovering from coronavirus.

Harrogate District Hospital has reported that one more of its patients who tested positive for coronavirus has died, bringing the hospital’s total so far up to 49.

The person died yesterday and was announced with 204 others in England’s hospitals today. Scotland today recorded another five, Wales another 15 and Northern Ireland another six.

England’s patients were aged between 26 and 101 years old. Three of the 204 patients, who were aged between 41 and 58 years old, had no known underlying health conditions.

The number of deaths hit a peak in April.

The Stray Ferret has mapped out the rise and subsequent fall in coronavirus deaths at Harrogate District Hospital.

The data shows that the hospital hit a peak in the number of deaths in April and particularly April 6 with four deaths on one day.

Today’s death figures are the lowest daily increase in hospitals for around five weeks, when 214 were announced dead from coronavirus on March 29.

Last week the ONS released data on the number of COVID-19 deaths outside of hospitals. In the Harrogate district, 22 people are reported to have died with symptoms of the virus up to April 17th.

The hard work of NHS staff is being recognised with a piece of community artwork on Otley Road in Harrogate.

Railings at the junction with Harlow Moor Road have been decorated with blue ribbons, a yellow heart and the letters NHS in tribute to those saving lives around the country.

Andrew High, who put the ribbons onto the railings, said he wants members of the community to add their own decorations too. He said:

“If you’ve got family who have been treated, or people you know who work for the NHS, it doesn’t matter. In your own little way, just attach your bit of string or ribbon – whatever you have to hand.

“It will be nice to see more ribbons attached to it so we feel part of something. There are a few more slowly appearing.”

New ribbons are already being added to the railings by members of the community

Andrew was also the mastermind behind the decorations put up on Otley Road for the UCI Road World Championships last year. A member of the congregation at Harlow Hill Methodist Church, which was open every day for the community to gather and watch the cycling, he wanted to draw attention to the stretch of road which was a prominent feature in the racing routes throughout the week.

As well as the UCi colours in ribbons around the trees and benches, Andrew put lettering on the railings at the junction spelling out “Harlow Hill”, “Welcome” and “Yorkshire”. He said:

“I had planned this year to do the Olympic rings and every time someone from Yorkshire got a medal, I was going to put a gold, silver or bronze medal on with their name on. Of course, that hasn’t happened.

I thought it would be nice for the NHS to go up and people to add their own little bits. After the UCI, there was a nice feeling among the hill that we had joined together. That was an enjoyable experience. This isn’t, but it is nice to know we’re a community and people are thinking of and looking out for each other.”

Another patient has died at Harrogate District Hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths under Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to 48.

The hospital this week confirmed that it has treated and discharged 70 patients diagnosed with Covid-19.

The patient died yesterday, May 1st, according to details released today by NHS England, which confirmed 370 deaths across the country. It brings the total for England to 20,853.

Of those confirmed today to have died, 25 had no known underlying health conditions. All patients were aged between 38 and 100.

NHS England has this week begun releasing daily data for deaths where the patient did not have a confirmed diagnosis, but where Covid-19 was listed on the death certificate. The statistics are only available for deaths which have occurred since April 24th, and are only divided by region.

In the North East and Yorkshire, five patients have this week died with suspected Covid-19. The total number of deaths in the region since the outbreak is 2,839, but this does not include deaths outside hospitals, such as in care homes.

This week, for the first time, data was released to show the number of deaths in care homes and other areas of the community in patients with suspected Covid-19. In the Harrogate district, 22 people are reported to have died with symptoms of the virus up to April 17th.

Harrogate District Hospital has reported that one more of its patients who tested positive for coronavirus has died, taking the hospital’s total number up to 47.

The patient died yesterday and was announced with a further 352 in England’s hospitals, 40 in Scotland, 17 in Wales, and 18 in Northern Ireland.

This comes as the Office for National Statistics revealed that the mortality rate in poorer communities is higher than those in more affluent areas.

The study is “age-standardised” which means that it takes into account the size and age structure of the population.

Poorer areas have a death rate of 55.1 per 100,000 people but richer areas have a much lower rate of 25.3 per 100,000 people.

Harrogate, which is considered to be one of the least deprived areas, has a mortality rate of 23 per 100,000 people.

The local authorities with the highest rates were all London boroughs like Newham, Brent, and Hackney which all have rates above 127.

Nick Stripe, the head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics, said:

“People living in more deprived areas have experienced COVID-19 mortality rates more than double those living in less deprived areas. General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but so far COVID-19 appears to be taking them higher still.”

Harrogate District Hospital will start to restore vital health services like cancer care as the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK is now over the peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

The services were paused nationwide so doctors and nurses could focus on coronavirus. The health secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that hospital trusts would determine the pace of restoration.

Health bosses at Harrogate Hospital have said that they are now reviewing the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

I can confirm that we are past the peak of this disease.

We are past the peak and we are on the downward slope.

And we have so many reasons to be hopeful for the long term.

But we can only defeat coronavirus by our collective discipline and working together.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 1, 2020

Robert Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Emergency Officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Focus is now turning to the medium term management of the impact of Coronavirus. This primarily covers sustainable care for patients with suspected and confirmed cases along with an approach to recovery and the delivery of services that have been significantly suspended during the past couple of months.

“We are prioritising the reintroduction of services based on clinical need, and ensuring we can do so safely as we continue to respond to Coronavirus. We are currently developing our plans and we’ll be directly in touch with patients over the coming weeks and months.

The hospital also highlighted that its Emergency Department is and has always been available despite the coronavirus outbreak.

“Thank you to patients, relatives and the general public for your understanding over the past few months. Your patience for the months to come while we recover and adjust back to providing a full range of services is also be much appreciated.

“Thank you as well to all my colleagues across our hospital and community services for their focus on patient care, dedication and positive attitude over what has been a very challenging time for the NHS.”

Harrogate District Hospital has not reported any coronavirus deaths today – with 46 patients confirmed dead so far – and has now released 70 of its patients after treatment for COVID-19.

A further 391 people, who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 20,137.

Patients were aged between 15 and 101 years old. 15 of the 391 patients, who were aged between 49 and 97 years old, had no known underlying health conditions.

As of today, Thursday 30 April,
70 inpatients at Harrogate District Hospital have recovered from Covid-19 and been discharged. #thankyouNHS #coronavirus#NHSHereForYou pic.twitter.com/h3LoqM1jGv

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) April 30, 2020

Hospitals in the North East and Yorkshire region reported 75 of today’s deaths. Their families have been informed.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS), has revealed that up to April 17, there have been 22 Harrogate coronavirus deaths outside the hospital.

19 of those deaths outside hospital were recorded in care homes, one death was recorded at home and another two deaths happened in “other communal establishments.”

The fundraising army veteran who walked 100 laps of his garden to raise millions of pounds for NHS charities has been honoured by Harrogate’s Army Foundation College to mark his 100th birthday.

Captain Tom Moore has been made Honorary Colonel of the college, recognising his Yorkshire links through his hometown of Keighley.

Today, as Colonel Tom marks his 100th birthday, his fundraising has passed the £30m mark for NHS Charities Together.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hall MBE YORKS, Commanding Officer of AFC Harrogate, said:

“Colonel Tom Moore has uniquely captured the imagination of the nation during this difficult time. Our staff and Junior Soldiers stand in awe at his achievements and we see his values of his sacrifice and service to one’s country reflected in the College’s ethos.

“Colonel Tom’s benevolence, his steadiness on parade and his determination to give something back are all truly inspirational. To have such a role model for the Army Foundation College, and to count him as one of our own, is a privilege and an honour.”

Inspiration to young soldiers

Harrogate AFC prepares 16- and 17-year-olds for a career in the army. As the first Honorary Colonel of the college, Captain Tom will be invited to speak to junior soldiers there and show the continuation of the values he learned as a young recruit.

Junior Soldier Ash Greenwood, aged 16, currently attends the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and will go on to join 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (2 YORKS). He said:

“Captain Tom Moore states that the NHS are today’s ‘front line’ and he knows what it’s like to be on the front line, serving in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War and fighting in battles such as the Battle of Ramree Island.

“Captain Tom has not only inspired me but an entire nation to reach their personal goals no matter how big or small. It’s an honour to have you as our Honorary Colonel, and the college is extremely proud of you and your achievements both within your military career and your fundraising for the NHS. Having you affiliated with the Army Foundation College is brilliant.

“In the army you never walk alone.”

Captain Tom has been presented with his Second World War Defence Medal, which he sadly lost, ready in time for next week’s VE Day celebrations. The Yorkshire Regiment also presented Captain Tom with their prestigious annual Regimental Medal, given to the individual in the Yorkshire Regiment family who is considered to have made the greatest contribution in the last year.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller, CO 1 YORKS, said:

“As The Yorkshire Regiment, we are exceptionally proud of Captain Tom and his achievements.  He has captured the hearts and imagination of the nation, inspiring many in these testing times.

“From a serving soldier’s perspective, he is all we aspire to be – he epitomises courage, determination, humbleness and good old Yorkshire grit. He is one of many who have made such a positive difference, and we are proud that he is part of our Regimental Family.

“On behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment, it has been an honour to be able to present the Regimental Medal for The Yorkshire Regiment, to Captain Tom Moore on his 100th birthday. The medal is awarded annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our military effectiveness and military reputation.

“I could not think of a more worthy recipient. He personifies the Values and Standards of the British Army and is an inspiration to our serving soldiers, young and old.”

Captain Moore was invited to open the Harrogate Nightingale Hospital

Captain Tom Moore was born in Keighley, and served with the 8th Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, which is now part of the Yorkshire Regiment. Last week, he was guest of honour at the official opening of the Nightingale hospital at Harrogate Convention Centre, appearing via video link from his Bedfordshire home.

New figures on coronavirus deaths, which now includes statistics outside of hospitals, paint the clearest picture yet of the outbreak in the Harrogate district.

The government has released three different sets of data, which will be released on either a weekly or a daily basis.

The first set of data, released daily, is the number of deaths in hospitals and, with two more deaths reported today, Harrogate District Hospital has now reported 46 deaths.

The second set of data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has revealed that up to April 17, there have been 22 Harrogate coronavirus deaths outside the hospital.

19 of those deaths outside hospital were recorded in care homes, one death was recorded at home and another two deaths happened in “other communal establishments.”

The final set of figures is the number of care homes that have reported a coronavirus outbreak, which is the first time this data has been released.

Of Harrogate’s 71 care homes, 26 have so far reported outbreaks. That works out at 36.6% of the district’s care homes.

Ripon City Council has responded to the coronavirus crisis by buying £1,200 worth of material and sewing equipment for use in the production of scrubs and  other items for frontline healthcare workers.

The council is currently in isolation and town clerk Paula Benson, contacted all 12 councillors – who unanimously agreed to the purchase of the material. It’s now been supplied to an army of volunteers across the Harrogate district involved in making the items that include masks, sets of scrubs and scrubs bags.

The material and sewing equipment was purchased respectively from local suppliers Reynard Fabrics of Scotton and White Rose Sewing and Craft Centre, Harrogate.

The Mayor of Ripon and chair of the council, Councillor Eamon Parkin (above) , told The Stray Ferret:

“The city council is delighted to support healthcare workers in this way and we pay tribute to the many volunteers, working in their homes, who have collaborated to make items that are vital in our collective fight  against coronavirus.”

He added:

“The council is in harmony with the community in Ripon and I am proud by the response that residents have made through numerous acts of kindness – from active involvement in the production and delivery of PPE, to shopping and the collection of medicines for people who are in self-isolation in their homes. Whenever there is a need, you can count on the people of Ripon to rise to the occasion. This has been the toughest challenge we have ever faced, but we will win, if everybody in every community, continues to pull together.”

Cllr Parkin, whose own business – The Magdalens Pub – is currently closed, has turned the premises into a community hub, delivering shopping and vital items to residents in isolation in the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Almshouses and to local care homes.

Earlier this month, in a Stray Ferret article, Ripon City and Harrogate district councillor Pauline McHardy, who worked as a nurse in the NHS for 41 years, expressed concern about the shortage of PPE for healthcare workers.

She said:

“With fellow councillors, I am absolutely delighted to support funding for these essential items.”