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Patients urged to 'choose services wisely' during doctors' strikes

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has urged local people to 'choose services wisely' over Christmas and New Year to ensure the sickest patients can get the help they need during strikes by junior doctors.

Industrial action which starts this week is expected to significantly impact NHS services. 
 
Junior doctors will be taking strike action before Christmas, from 7am on Wednesday 20th December to 7am on Saturday 23rd December and again in the New Year from 7am on Wednesday 3rd January to 7am on Tuesday 9th January 2024.
 
During the strikes, Airedale Hospital's emergency services will remain open but a significant amount of elective care treatments and outpatient appointments will be impacted. GP surgeries will remain open as normal but are expected to be busier than usual as a result.
 
The NHS is asking patients to choose services wisely during the industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to the sickest patients who need it most.
 
This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

Leanne Cooper, Chief Operating Officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust added: “Because of the festive season and the fact we’re in the busiest winter period for the NHS when people are more unwell, our Emergency Departments are already extremely busy. They will now be additionally impacted by the industrial action taking place, so it’s incredibly important that people only come to A&E if they are seriously unwell or injured.
 
“We will do our best to minimise the impact on elective care and outpatient appointments and those patients affected will be contacted. To help look after those who need emergency medical help, please use NHS 111 online as a first port of call for non-urgent medical advice.
 
“Remember 999 and A&E departments are for the most serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses.”

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