Harrogate hospital almost "completely full"
Managers have warned of long delays as the NHS comes under huge pressure
Staff on the frontline at Harrogate hospital say it's a constant battle to find beds for poorly patients.
We've been warned again about long delays as the NHS faces unprecedented pressure.
Dr Matt Shepherd is the Deputy Chief operating officer and says dozens of patients are ready to leave but have no where to go: "The flow just isn't happening at the rate the hospital needs it to. At any time we have around 40 patients who are waiting to go to either a package of care for their own home or a package of care at their own home and that's just not available at that moment in time."
"Staff are doing their best in really tricky circumstances"
Managers say the hospital is under “significant pressure” due to high demand for beds and levels of Covid-19 and flu patients.
Visitors to the department are also experiencing longer waiting times as healthcare staff prioritise patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Dr Shepherd says staff are doing a fantastic job but the pressure is taking it's toll: "We all come into work in the NHS because we want to care for patients and do a great job and at times like this when we can't deliver that higher standard of care it is really difficult for staff. They feel it, they are frustrated".
Please help loved ones to get home to free up beds
Managers have asked families of patients to help bring them home as soon as their medical condition allows in order to help free up beds.
In a statement they say: 'We know that supporting a family member at home can be challenging, but there really is no place like home for so many of our patients. When patients are starting to improve and no longer require hospital care, the remainder of their recovery happens much quicker in their own homes.
“If a patient is a care home resident, they will most likely return to their care home. On rare occasions, they may need to be discharged to a different care home for a short period, and we ask that families please support us with this wherever they can.
“Our patients’ health is our utmost priority and our dedicated team will do everything they can to help.”