Bradford and Keighley bank holiday A&E plea from NHS bosses

A&E departments in Bradford and Keighley are facing higher demand than usual, NHS bosses have warned.

The number of patients using A&E at Airedale Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary is well above the seasonal average, according to the health service.

As a result, over the bank holiday weekend people were asked to call 111 or use the NHS 111 website first before going to a center to seek treatment.

Dr James Thomas, from NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Healthcare services are always particularly busy over bank holidays, but we have also seen 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 in the last 12 months”.

“You should only call 999 for an ambulance in an emergency. So then you think you have a life-threatening illness or injury,” he added.

“For example, if you’re having a suspected heart attack, think you might be having a stroke, if you’re having trouble breathing or if you’re bleeding profusely or have had a serious injury, then it’s absolutely right to call 999.”

Helen Farmer, director of access to care at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said the 111.nhs.uk website otherwise gave patients “the best options to get the care they need”.

“This includes getting a call back from a qualified clinician or nurse, booking an A&E appointment or giving them advice on how to help them recover,” she said.

Some pharmacies remain open during public holidays and offer treatment and some prescription drugs for certain conditions without the need to see a GP.

In the meantime, people seeking mental health support were asked to contact the Guide-Line on 08001 884 884 between 08:00 BST and midnight or visit the Healthy Minds website.