High summer demand puts healthcare services under winter-like strain

Pinderfieldfs A&E with ambulance outside

Although it may be feeling more like summer outside, A&E departments across West Yorkshire are experiencing winter-level pressures.

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust are seeing an increased number of attendances to their A&E departments and are anticipating even higher attendances as the weather gets warmer during June.

This will mean that people who attend A&E with injuries or conditions that aren’t serious or life threatening may have to wait a very long time to be seen, so it’s important that you are prepared and know how to get help if needed.

Chris Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said: “We’re asking all patients to think carefully before coming to A&E. Members of the public can really help by making sure they are making the right choice when accessing healthcare services.

“If you are unwell and are unsure which healthcare service you need, call or access NHS 111 online, where you will be directed to the most appropriate care for your health need. If you are in a serious or life-threatening situation, it’s important you still do continue to come forward.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to our staff, for continuing to work extremely hard during this very busy period.”

Alongside NHS 111, there are a number of alternative healthcare options available to patients in the local area.

Local pharmacies can help with minor illnesses and injuries, and, for those within the Wakefield district, King Street Walk in Centre in Wakefield is open 7 days a week, between 10am and 10pm, to help diagnose and treat urgent, non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Patients can also contact their GP practice, or, if you are feeling unwell outside of normal surgery opening hours, simply call your GP practice number as usual and your call will automatically go through to GP Care Wakefield, Wakefield’s evening and weekend GP service.

Further information on when to visit A&E can be accessed at: togetherwe-can.com/when-to-visit-ae/