The problem has become so acute that in some areas non-medical staff are being drafted into wards to fill the gaps left by nurses off sick with Coronavirus.

Fees at Harrogate District Hospital have returned today after being paused for staff, patients and visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nurses and NHS workers have staged a series of protests across the region after being excluded from pay increases given to public sector workers. The government said a three year pay deal had already been agreed for health staff in 2018.