Hospital entrance to undergo revamp

The main entrance at a North Yorkshire hospital is to undergo a major redesign, in an effort to make it more modern and accessible.

Works will include an upgrade of the self check-in and reception facilities at Harrogate District Hospital, as well as creating new informal seating areas and more toilets, which will include a changing places toilet.

The project will also see Costa Coffee and an M&S Food store move onto the site, replacing the hospital's Café Bistro and WH Smith.

Access to the hospital will be maintained throughout the build, which starts this month and is due to be completed in spring 2027.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said it would work closely with partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, with any changes well signposted and easy to navigate.

The trust added the build was primarily commercially funded and no funding would be taken away from frontline care, patient services or staff budgets.

Jonathan Coulter, chief executive at the trust, said: "Coming into a hospital as a patient, carer or visitor can be an anxious and emotional experience. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel supported and reassured from the moment they arrive.

"This project has been designed to create a space that meets the needs of a modern healthcare setting while improving the experience for everyone who uses it.

"This redevelopment will help us create a more welcoming and comfortable environment, alongside providing high-quality retail facilities for patients, visitors and our dedicated staff."

The hospital's Café Bistro will close at the end of September, while WH Smith closed in July as part of the preparations for the redevelopment.

In the meantime, food and drink will be available from Herriots restaurant on the first floor of the hospital.

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