Leanne Cooper, Chief Operating Officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has appealed the general public to visit A&E only in extreme cases as junior doctors and consultants at the foundation prepare for strike action this week.
Hospital consultants will take part in strike action from Tuesday 19 September to 7am on Thursday 21 September, while Junior Doctors will be striking from Wednesday, 20 September to Saturday, 23 September.
This industrial action is expected to significantly impact NHS services.
Leanne Cooper said: “Our Emergency Departments are extremely busy and will be affected 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 affected will be notified. 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.”
The NHS has also asked patients to choose services wisely during the industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to 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.
Saj Azeb, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The industrial action will reduce the number of junior doctors and consultants we have in our hospitals, and this has a particular impact in A&E.
“Throughout this week some elective care and outpatient appointments will be cancelled and rearranged so that we can ensure we can continue to run emergency care services – but please attend any booked appointments unless you hear otherwise.”
Additional joint strike action by junior doctors and consultants is also planned from Monday 2 October to 7am on Thursday 5 October.
