The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust has issued a warning to people thinking about going to A&E
The Accident and Emergency Department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary(Image: Andrew Robinson)
Hospitals in Calderdale and Huddersfield have issued a warning as their services are extremely busy.
The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has asked visitors to Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to only come if their condition is an emergency. According to the Trust, both hospitals and their A&E departments are “extremely busy”.
The Trust has also asked people to stay home if they are feeling unwell, especially with flu symptoms, coughs or colds. Those who need urgent medical advice should call NHS 111 online here or by calling over the phone to find the best service to use.
Tom Ladlow, Head Nurse at Urgent and Emergency Care, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I urge people to please choose NHS services wisely so we can prioritise our patients with life-threatening emergencies and serious illness. NHS 111 online should be your first port of call if you are unsure where to go.
“We have seen people coming in with conditions such as coughs, colds and flu, and skin infections, that could be treated by a GP practice, pharmacy, or at home with advice from the NHS website. If we review you and your condition isn’t appropriate to be treated in A&E, we will discharge you to another service.
“I would like to thank people for their understanding and for choosing well, which keeps our services free for those who need them the most.”
Gemma Berriman, Chief Operating Officer, CHFT, said: “Our hospitals are very busy, and we are seeing people coming to our A&E with conditions that are not urgent or an emergency, and we have more cases of flu and respiratory illnesses in our hospitals than usual.
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“There is lots of advice on the NHS website about how to manage a range of illnesses, and NHS 111 online can help you if you are unsure.
“If you have a scheduled appointment at one of our hospitals, or our Community Diagnostic Centres, please come as normal. But if you are feeling unwell due to flu, coughs or colds, please call us using the phone number on your appointment letter to reschedule your appointment, as it will help keep our other patients and our colleagues well.”
If you need more information on how to stay well, as well as the health and care services on offer in Calderdale and Kirklees, you can find it here.
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