Local NHS leaders are reminding people to only attend A&E departments across the district with life-threatening emergencies as hospitals continue to be under significant pressure due to the junior doctors’ four-day industrial action this week.
The walkout is due to end on Saturday at 7am but services are likely to be affected across the weekend and into the early part of next week.
Health bosses say that if people attend A&E with non-urgent or emergency conditions they will be waiting significantly longer than usual.
Instead, they should visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111, or contact their local GP or pharmacist.
The 96-hour industrial action, which affects hospitals across the country, began on 11th April and runs continuously until the day shift starts on Saturday 15th April.
Saj Azeb, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The junior doctors’ industrial action has severely reduced the number of doctors we have in our hospitals, and this is having a particular impact in A&E. That’s why we have to prioritise the clinically most urgent patients.
“People can continue to help us during this time by only using A&E services when absolutely necessary. There are many other ways to get healthcare advice and treatment which will be quicker and will help us care for those who need us most.”
Leanne Cooper, Chief Operating Officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust added: “During this period of strike action we really need people to only come to A&E if it is a genuine life or limb-threatening emergency so we can care for our sickest patients.
“This position is likely to continue into the weekend, after the industrial action has finished. If you do come with a non-urgent problem your wait time will be significantly longer. We encourage you to seek help from NHS 111, your GP or local pharmacist and avoid a long wait.”
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