Bank holiday A&E plea as NHS services face 'record numbers'
A&E units and other parts of the health service are facing "record numbers" of people attending, the NHS says
- Published
A&E departments in Bradford and Keighley are experiencing higher demand than usual, NHS bosses have warned.
The number of patients using the A&Es at Airedale Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary are well above the seasonal average, according to the health service.
As a result, over the bank holiday weekend people have been asked to call 111 or use the NHS's 111 website first, before going to a centre to seek treatment.
Dr James Thomas, from the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: "Healthcare services are always particularly busy over bank holidays, but we've also been seeing a steady increase in need throughout the year."
Dr Thomas added that GP practices, mental health services and emergency departments had all seen "record numbers over the past 12 months".
"You should only call 999 for an ambulance in an emergency. So that's when you think you've got a life-threatening illness or injury," he added.
"For example, if you're having a suspected heart attack, you suspect you might be having a stroke, if you've having breathing problems, or if you're bleeding heavily or had a serious injury then it's absolutely the right thing to be calling 999."
'Best options'
Helen Farmer, director for access to care at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said that otherwise the 111.nhs.uk website, external offered patients "the best options for getting the care they need".
"This includes getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice on how to help them recover," she said.
Some pharmacies do stay open during the bank holiday and offer treatment and some prescription medicine for certain conditions without needing to see a GP.
Meanwhile, people seeking mental health support have been asked to contact Guide-Line on 08001 884 884 between 08:00 BST and midnight or visit the Healthy Minds website, external.
For 24/7 urgent mental health crisis support, people are asked to contact the NHS's First Response service, external on 0800 952 1181.