health Archives - Page 20 of 21

Three covid cases in Harrogate district today

A further three cases of coronavirus have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to today’s figures from Public Health England.

Cases have remained low in recent days. The total in the district since the start of the pandemic is now 7,654.

The district’s seven-day covid rate has fallen again to 12 per 100,000.

Starbeck has recorded the most infections in the last seven days, with eight.

The North Yorkshire average is now above England’s average – North Yorkshire is 32 and England is 25.

This is mainly because Selby’s rate has exploded to 112.

No further covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital. The total since the pandemic began stands at 179.

According the NHS England figures, the most recent covid death at the hospital was April 11.

North Yorkshire health boss challenges care home isolation guidance

A local public health official has challenged the government over new care home guidance, which he has condemned as a “backwards step”.

The new guidance tells residents to only leave care homes for medical appointments or in exceptional circumstances. On their return they will need to isolate for 14 days.

Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, has raised his concerns about the new guidance with the Department for Health and Social Care.

He believes that residents should be able to leave care homes.

Mr Webb said:

“The government guidance is quite restrictive about people in care homes taking trips out. We felt that was a backwards step.

“If you live in a care home you are entitled to get some fresh air. We were a bit disappointed to see some further restrictions. We have raised that with the Department for Health and Social Care.

“As long as it is done safely we would like to see people enjoy the spring sunshine as the rest of us can. Hopefully that will be looked at and we can give some better news in the future.”

This comes as residents at a care home on Claro Road, which is run by Disability Action Yorkshire, said they will defy the guidance as it was a “clear breach” of their human rights.

Jackie Snape, chief executive of the charity, has written to Harrogate MP, Andrew Jones. She warned him that he will receive furious e-mails as a result of the guidance.

She said:

“For the people that live at 34 Claro Road this is devastating. They are young people who just want to have the same freedoms as everyone else.

“They are seeing pictures of groups enjoying a beer outside the pub and they are being told they can’t even go for a walk around the block.”

Seven more covid cases in Harrogate district

Seven coronavirus cases have been reported today in the Harrogate district by Public Health England.

The figure is an increase on yesterday’s five cases and takes the district’s total since the start of the pandemic to 7,608.

The seven-day average rate of infection now stands at 19 per 100,000 people in the district.

The North Yorkshire seven-day average is 22 and the England average is 27.

No further covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital. The total since the start of the pandemic remains at 179.

In other covid news today, North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham revealed at this morning’s North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum press briefing that officers issued no fines for covid breaches in the Harrogate district in the past week.

Meanwhile, 25 pharmacies in the Harrogate district have signed up to become collection points for free rapid lateral flow tests and more are expected to come on stream in the coming days.

Harrogate hospital’s intensive care unit completes £1m refurbishment

Harrogate District Hospital’s intensive care unit has completed a £1 million refurbishment.

The 12-week refurbishment has increased capacity, meaning the unit can now care for 11 patients rather than 10, and created a better environment.

Ross Stewart, a patient on the unit for many weeks in 2020 pre-covid, returned today to cut a ribbon before patients were transferred back in.

The unit was stripped down to its shell and rebuilt. Five of the 11 beds now have their own side rooms.

The hospital’s experience of the pandemic shaped the new design. For instance, the side rooms help to contain infections.

The unit has new TVs, flooring, ceilings and doors. Wall cladding and dimmable lights have been installed, and there are wall murals and LED ceiling panels featuring blue skies, clouds and trees in two of the side rooms.

The more open design means nurses can see all the patients from their station.

New ICU unit at Harrogate District Hospital

Daylight, open space and a clean feel are key features of the new design.

The last 12 months have been unprecedented for hospital staff. ICU staff have been caring for numbers never seen before.

Intensive care consultant Dr Sarah Marsh said:

“This has gone above and beyond what we could have expected. It’s not just about surviving it’s about giving that survivorship some quality and the environment in the ICU plays a huge part in that.

“Something as simple as having more natural light and dimmable lights is very important for the patients. The unit will really help to improve patients’ outcomes for sure.”

The increase in patients due to covid forced the unit to relocate into a larger ward, which presented the opportunity to refurbish the unit without disturbing patients.

The Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity donated some of the funds for the work, which enabled a relatives’ room to offer a pull-down bed for relatives to stay in.

17,000 fewer scans at Harrogate Hospital due to covid

Harrogate District Hospital Trust provided over 17,000 fewer scans in the six months after the pandemic began than the six months prior.

The Stray Ferret has found data on the NHS England website to show that 39,348 scans took place between October 2019 and March 2020.

During the six months after coronavirus took hold, April 2020 and September 2020, there were 22,157 scans delivered at the hospital.

That is 17,191 fewer scans.

These numbers include scans delivered at the Nightingale hospital in Harrogate after a referral from the trust. The exact number has not been disclosed.

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the NHS, with staff working longer hours under difficult conditions.

The district hospital has seen an impact in the number of scans it delivered. Coronavirus meant many appointments were delayed and some patients were left feeling reluctant to go into hospital with health issues.

The hospital said its staff are working hard to re-book appointments.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:

“We are working hard to reschedule appointments and operations impacted by the pandemic for as soon as possible. However, the pandemic means that for many of our patients there will be a delay, and waiting times will be longer.

“We have arrangements in place to risk assess every patient on our waiting lists to ensure we prioritise people on the basis of their clinical need. These decisions are being made by doctors and other clinical colleagues who are following national clinical guidelines.

“Colleagues both in hospital and in community services have been absolutely fantastic throughout the pandemic and despite the ongoing challenges, continue to be.”

The data included 12 scans covering all areas of the body including CT, MRI and Cystoscopy scans. Some of those included in the data are used in cancer diagnosis.

Seven of the 12 scans included in this data can be used for cancer amongst other conditions.

Huge drops in cancer referrals have been reported throughout the pandemic. Cancer Research UK found that 40,000 fewer people started cancer treatment last year.

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research and Services at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“We know that there has been a reduction in urgent referrals for suspected cancer during the pandemic which is slowly getting back to normal. Early diagnosis of cancer is vitally important. It is easier to treat when caught early.

“We encourage anyone with any worrying symptoms to approach their GP.”

Can Great Yorkshire Show and vaccine site take place together?

Health leaders revealed today they are in discussions with the organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show about whether the event and the vaccination programme on the site can take place together.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society announced this week it planned to stage the three-day show from July 13 to 15, adding the decision would be ‘reviewed regularly’.

This raised questions about the impact on the mass vaccination programme that is being run at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

The showground, which can carry out up to 1,800 vaccinations a day, has been the Harrogate district’s main vaccine centre since December.

The NHS is due to be giving jabs to under-50s at the time of the show.

The vaccines are administered in the Yorkshire Event Centre building at the showground. The event centre is usually a key part of the Great Yorkshire Show, hosting many food stalls.

Amanda Bloor, accountable officer for North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, told a coronavirus press briefing today:

“It’s great that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that venues which would have been standing empty have been serving such a great purpose.

“There are a number of sites we will be having conversations with over the next few weeks and there are also sites we are already in discussions with.

“We are talking about how we can run vaccination sites concurrently with public-facing events or whether we need to think about providing it in a different way.

“So we are working with individual sites to understand what the different options are for us.”

The Stray Ferret also asked the Yorkshire Agricultural Society about the situation.

Heather Parry, Managing Director of Yorkshire Event Centre said:

“We are discussing our plans with the NHS vaccination centre and together we expect to come up with workable solutions.”

My Year: Health boss on ‘sobering’ loss and ‘inspirational’ community action

Richard Webb, director of health and adult services for North Yorkshire County Council, led the authority’s covid response through the year. He tells the Stray Ferret he has not forgotten those lost to the coronavirus pandemic.

’Tis the season to be… jolly? Maybe it’s more about being careful and kind?!

What a year!

The Harrogate district, like the rest of North Yorkshire and the world, has spent much of the last 12 months wrapped in the nightmare of covid-19.

Sadly, too many of our fellow residents will be mourning loved ones taken by the virus. Empty chairs around festive tables will denote a loss that is only too real. Behind every number is a human being; someone with a life story and loved ones. We must, and will, remember them.

It has been a sobering year for those of us working in public health and adult social care. In March, we were supporting NHS colleagues who were converting Harrogate Convention Centre into the Yorkshire and Humber Nightingale Hospital.

I remember one particularly poignant Friday afternoon call with the Bishop of Ripon, talking about the projected huge numbers of deaths, how we would ensure ethical and personalised decision-making; and how we could support grieving families and communities.

The first wave was not as bad as initial fears, but it took its toll: at least 600 people across North Yorkshire have died from Covid and there have been more non-Covid deaths because people may have been reluctant to get the treatment they needed for cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Mental health continues to be a major concern for us all.

At the same time, the response from the community has been inspirational. In spring, as everyone came out onto our streets to clap key workers, and the cheers rang out across Harrogate’s rooftops, my thoughts were with public health and social care teams, volunteers, supermarket workers, farmers, as well as NHS colleagues… the list goes on because so many people have worked so hard.

Harrogate Grammar School has been producing visors for the NHS and other key workers

Harrogate Grammar School was among those to make and donate visors during the first lockdown

Local businesses did all they could to help with PPE when we couldn’t get supplies. People made face masks. The Harrogate Bus Company featured pictures of nurses, social workers and care workers on their buses, in tribute to their work. Major Tom’s delivered pizzas to care homes to say thank you. Dementia Forward developed the “Café in a Box” to support people with dementia and their carers. North Yorkshire Sport delivered activity packs to keep people fit. Harrogate Festivals cheered and stimulated us by moving a year of events online. Harrogate Town won a well-deserved promotion and, for a time, did better than my beloved ‘Boro!

Personally, I have learned much about myself and others. There have been great highs and a few lows. I have been moved by people’s stories, courage and willingness to help others. I have been inspired by my conversations with people who use health and social care services: they have played a vital role in helping each other and coming up with new ideas as to how we could support them better.

And I have been grateful that people have come together to ensure we have kept ahead of the national situation wherever possible: whether that’s getting more testing available locally, tapping into the massive effort of volunteers, or supporting care homes to re-open to visitors where safe to do so.

Apologies to my family and friends, because I have been so focused on work this year. Even more than usual! To those who wanted to do an evening Zoom beer or Zoom quiz, sorry: I have become Zoomed-out! However, I am grateful to have spent lockdown in one of the most beautiful parts of England. There is something about making the most of what’s on your doorstep: walking, cycling, running, breathing.

Even as the vaccine moves us towards “living with covid”, it is likely, although not inevitable, that we will face a third wave of the pandemic. Right now, we are at the toughest part before the dawn: needing to keep each other safe; to drive down infection rates; and to look to the future.

It is also an opportunity. We can look, with different eyes, at where we live, and what we do and build something new and different. I am optimistic about our potential and about the triumph of hope, humanity and innovation.

Looking ahead, and learning from the past 12 months, I am reminded of a line from Robert Frost’s poem, Birches, which I learned at school: “earth’s the right place for love”.

Sneak peek: New health cafe opens in Harrogate

A new cafe is opening in Harrogate today to serve up healthy foods and drinks despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Hustle and Co is based on Station Parade and takes over the unit once occupied by Filmore and Union until last year.

Nici Routledge and Jo Bradshaw are behind the new cafe, which has created 15 new jobs for the area.

Jo told the Stray Ferret ahead of the opening:

“I think people will see it is quite different and in a very nice way and I do believe we’re offering things you can’t get anywhere else locally.

“We will be serving up smoothie bowls which will be really pretty and also really good for you. That’s the important thing for us, that it’s full of goodness.”

The cafe will also serve up matcha waffles, gulten-free banana bread, fresh juices, coffee and more from 8am until early evening.

Nici also told the Stray Ferret that the latest lockdown was not going to stop the cafe:

“We both think that there are opportunities through challenging situations. If nothing else through this year there’s been a shift of mindset.

“I think more people want to support local. I think people are really buying into that now so that’s positive.”

Leading Harrogate pharmacist urges people to get flu jab to protect NHS

Local healthcare professionals have urged people eligible to get their flu jab this year to protect the NHS against a difficult winter season.

This year there has been an increase in demand for the vaccine. New groups are now eligible including those aged 50-64, and people who may have previously chosen not to take up the vaccine are also contributing to the rise.

Public Health England has warned there are greater risks associated with contracting covid and the flu together especially if the person is in a high risk group.

With increased demand and the need for social distancing, GP surgeries and others are having to carefully coordinate the way they deliver vaccinations.

In Boroughbridge, the local Lions group is helping Church Lane surgery with traffic management to ensure the increased number of patients get to their appointments safely.

Boroughbridge Lions representative Paul Bullivant said:

“Last year there were queues around the surgery with people waiting so this year we are helping them with traffic management. This year patients have timed slots so it’s much easier. We’re happy to do our bit to help the community.”

Volunteers from Boroughbridge Lions volunteered to help with traffic management. Credit: Sue Johnson.

Dr Duncan Petty, who lives in Harrogate and is a member of the English Board of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has urged people to get the vaccine to help prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed during winter.

He said:

“It is important for people to protect themselves, but also the NHS: if you are at risk of catching covid, getting both is dangerous.

“The sensible thing is to get the vaccine so the NHS isn’t overwhelmed. It’s the one thing people can do to help themselves and the NHS.”

Dr Petty is confident the supply of flu vaccines currently held by the NHS is enough to cover demand. He said it is the logistics behind vaccinating an increased number of people that could take time.

The NHS website says those at most risk will be vaccinated first, and those aged 50-64 will be contacted in November and December.

North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has said the supplies of the vaccine are being prioritised by GP practices based on clinical need.

Its governing body GP, Dr Bruce Willoughby, said:

“We’re seeing a high patient demand for the influenza vaccine and early indications suggest the uptake in the Harrogate district is higher than this time last year.

“In spite of the challenges presented by covid 19, we’re not seeing any particular issues with flu clinics. Practices continue to prioritise the highest risk patient groups first, but across York and North Yorkshire we fully intend to reach all eligible patients.”

It is urging people to take this “additional layer of protection”.

Dr Petty added:

“It may cause a few side effects but it could save your life. People need to remember it’s not just for yourself it may be for others in your family or to help your local hospital.”

School services in North Yorkshire face cuts

Some children’s services in schools are set to be scrapped as part of cuts by North Yorkshire County Council.

Hearing and vision screening for four and five-year-olds and sexual health drop-ins are among the services facing the axe.

The council executive will next week discuss the plans, which aim to save £750,000 over three years on the local authority’s healthy child programme.

The council hopes these cuts will help it meet its overall plan to save £4 million.

If the plans are approved, they will go to consultation on October 26.

The programme, which supports 130,000 young people aged 0-19 in North Yorkshire and their families, is worth £70m over 10 years.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire’s director of public health, said:

“We must take account of the national changes in public health funding, which will see a reduction across the board of around 15%.

“We will continue to deliver mandatory health checks for children under five years old and will continue to support new parents with a focus on those children and families most in need.”

‘Not the same level of service’

A report prepared for the executive meeting says:

“The proposed programme will not be able to provide the level of service that it currently provides to school aged children. Some services provided in school settings will stop, including hearing and vision screening for children aged 4-5 years and sexual health services drop-ins in schools.”

Currently children receive five in-person check-ups to the age of five, but under the new proposals three of these could be done virtually.

The report says the proposals would prioritise children aged under five.

Under the proposals, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, which delivers the programme in partnership with the council, would be awarded a 10-year contract.

Suzanne Lamb, head of safeguarding at the trust, said:

“While the trust recognises that the future model will need to look very different to what is being offered now, we appreciate the opportunity to continue to work closely with North Yorkshire County Council in a longer term arrangement.

“This will ensure more targeted support in relation to need and new ways of working including support via digital channels.”

Harrogate councillor Geoff Webber, who is the Liberal Democrats leader on the council, criticised government cuts for forcing the council to reduce its services. He said:

“It is disgraceful the government have chosen this time to reduce public health spending in North Yorkshire by £4 million over the next few years.

“I am sure that members of all parties will support the effort to maintain the healthy child service and we look forward to seeing the result of the public consultation.”

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

‘Not the same level of service’

Read more: