Nightingale contract extended to next year

The capacity at the temporary hospital, based at Harrogate Convention Centre, will be retained for covid-19 patients and continue providing CT scanning capacity for elective surgery and cancer services.

The decision comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the future of the 500-bed hospital. Its original contract was due to expire on 31 July but was extended for two further weeks while talks between NHS England and Harrogate Borough Council, which owns the centre, dragged out.

Last month Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced £3bn would be used to maintain England’s seven Nightingale Hospitals until the end of March.

Harrogate’s Nightingale Hospital has not treated any covid-19 patients since it opened in April, but has provided some CT scanning capacity.

“An extension to the contract has now been agreed, which will mean more essential health checks, including for cancer, can continue to be delivered in Harrogate - with over 1,200 patients having already had a scan at the facility - while also offering back-up capacity as the country continues to deal with the virus.”

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “The convention centre will continue in its role as a Nightingale hospital until 31 March but this will be reviewed on 1 October to assess if there is an ongoing need for the hospital.

“The events industry remains in lockdown until at least 1 October and, if there is a further rise in infections, it is unlikely we will be able to reopen anyway.”