Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions

Exclusive discounts
Enjoy commenting on local issues

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Apr 2020

Coronavirus

Harrogate hospital 'blown away' by community donations

Published: 2 Apr 2020, 14:22 BST

by Connor Creaghan

Individuals, schools and businesses have all rallied behind healthcare workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus. The staff at Harrogate and District Hospital are said to be "blown away" by the generosity.

Individuals, schools and businesses have all rallied behind healthcare workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.

Since the pandemic started, people have donated masks, hand cream and even freshly cooked meals to ease the pressure on healthcare workers.

The staff at Harrogate and District Hospital are said to be "blown away" by the generosity.

It comes as a further two patients who tested positive for coronavirus have died at Harrogate District Hospital, bringing the total up to six deaths.

Julie Mills set up a Facebook group just over three weeks ago called 'Supplies for Key Workers in and Around Harrogate' and has been working day and night to coordinate donations.

She told the Stray Ferret: "We started off by getting food for all of the healthcare workers when people were panic buying at supermarkets. Then we saw that the hospital needed medical supplies, so we got hundreds of masks, gloves and some overalls. Now we are working on getting ventillators into the hospital. We have got to keep healthcare workers going through their shifts."

Some of the donations made to healthcare workers

Greek takeaway Mykonos Bar & Grill recently delivered 154 Greek main meals along with desserts and drinks to the hospital

Local Sid Lovatt decided to put his 3D printer to use and has made lots of masks for care homes and hospital staff

Harrogate Grammar School's design department has also put its 3D printer to use by making masks

Taylors of Harrogate sent the hospital 8,000 coffee and tea bags

The local community has donated so much food to staff that the hospital has created a pop-up shop, where staff can pick up essentials for free.

https://twitter.com/harrogatehcc/status/1245438594581508098

A spokesperson for Harrogate hospital said:

"We've been blown away with the generosity of people and businesses from Harrogate and beyond who have donated so many food items, meals, hand creams and other non-perishable items to colleagues at the Trust. It's really appreciated and it's been so heartwarming to see the community come together in this way in support of your local NHS. Thank you.

"One part of this support that could potentially cause some issues for us is the delivery of already-cooked meals. We kindly ask that from now on, we are unable to accept already-cooked meals from businesses or individuals. We are providing breakfast, lunch and dinner to staff free of charge, so colleagues do have access to hot meals."