Harrogate's Nightingale to reopen IF local hospitals become overwhelmed

Health bosses have been setting out their plans

Author: Seb CheerPublished 29th Nov 2020
Last updated 29th Nov 2020

The NHS Nightingale Yorkshire and Humber will reopen, if local hospitals start to become overwhelmed.

North Yorkshire health bosses have been providing an update on the county-wide response to the pandemic.

The temporary hospital at Harrogate's Convention Centre was opened in April, by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

It has since been stood-down without caring for a single patient.

Amanda Bloor, from the NHS in North Yorkshire, says that if it's needed, it can be mobilised within a week.

She said: "Nightingale Yorkshire would only be used when all triggers and escalation points across the system have been exhausted."

The 500-bed temporary hospital was first created in April 2020

"One of the key criteria is making sure there are sufficient staff to safely staff the unit and care for patients.

"They'd be caring for patients who require ventilation or who are dependent on oxygen."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.