Harrogate's NHS Nightingale teams return to work elsewhere while hospital remains on standby to receive first patient

Photos which show the inside of Harrogate's NHS Nightingale Hospital

A spokesperson for the hospital said staff training has taken place across the board so that the Nightingale is ready to receive patients whenever the need arises, but until that time comes, staff will remain with their current employers.

The hospital is providing 500 extra beds for Covid-19 patients, created in addition to 33,000 beds being freed up in existing hospitals.

Watch as Captain Tom Moore thanks NHS via video link at opening of Harrogate's Nightingale hospital

A spokesperson for NHS Nightingale Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Staff training has been taking place so that we are ready to receive patients whenever the need arises. Until that time, and as was always planned to be the case, staff will remain with their current employers.

"For some non-clinical colleagues this will be through supporting local NHS trusts as part of our on-going work against Covid-19 .”

The Nightingale hospital was officially opened at Harrogate Convention Centre on April 21, with veteran fundraiser Captain Tom Moore as the guest of honour, speaking via video link.