Harrogate hospital patient died after becoming disconnected from ventilator

A woman died at Harrogate District Hospital after she became disconnected from a ventilator.

Karen Smith, 44, died on October 25 last year. An inquest into the circumstances surrounding her death opened in Northallerton this week.

The inquest heard how Ms Smith became disconnected from her ventilator on October 24 and died the following day as a result of a suspected hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Jonathan Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, adjourned the inquest for a full hearing at a later date yet to be confirmed.

Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Karen Smith.

“Until the inquest has concluded we are unable to comment further.”

Seven more patients discharged after treatment for coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital

A total of 58 patients have now been discharged home after being treated for coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital.

The figure is up by seven from 51 last Thursday, with one patient who was treated on a ventilator having gone home last week.

pic.twitter.com/JhhohAKP8L

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) April 23, 2020

Meanwhile, the latest figures from NHS England confirm there have been no further deaths reported by Harrogate and District NHS Trust in the last 24 hours, leaving the total number at 36. Last Thursday, the number of deaths stood at 26.

Across England, 514 deaths were confirmed today, in patients aged between 31 and 100. Of those, 16 patients had no known underlying health conditions.

The figures released only include those who have been tested and treated in hospital. Deaths elsewhere, such as in care homes, are not included.

Thirty patients have now died with coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital – but the first ventilator patient has been discharged

Thirty patients are now confirmed to have died with coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital.

NHS England released the figures today, which reveal two more deaths happened on Thursday, April 18th, bringing the total for that day to three. No deaths have yet been reported for yesterday, Friday, by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

Across England, a further 784 deaths have been confirmed, contributing to the 888 across the UK. It brings the UK’s total death county to more than 15,000.

This week, the hospital confirmed it has treated and discharged 51 patients so far. It has also announced that the first patient has been discharged after treatment for coronavirus on a ventilator. Staff are understood to have applauded as the patient left the hospital.

We are really pleased to announce that our first patient who has been on a ventilator as a result of having COVID19 has today been discharged home. #COVID19 #OurNHSPeople

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) April 17, 2020