Strike action set to affect NHS services in Bradford district over Christmas and New Year
The strikes will take place from:
- December 20 - December 23
- January 3 - January 9, 2024.
This will be the longest period of industrial action to date, and as it will take place over the Christmas and New Year period, it will have a significant impact on services including many GP practices.
Helen Farmer, Director for Access to Care programme at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “As we approach the Christmas bank holiday period, we’re asking everyone in the area to ensure they’re prepared for their medical needs. NHS staff across Bradford District and Craven will continue to deliver care to those who need it over Christmas and New Year, but along with an already busy winter, and nine days of junior doctor strikes, we anticipate emergency services to be busier than usual.
“Order and collect any repeat prescriptions early and ensure you have enough medication to last the long weekends. You may also want to consider keeping a small stock of basic medicines in case needed for minor illnesses or injuries. Some pharmacies may be open over the bank holidays. Use the NHS website to find an open pharmacy near you: www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
“By planning in advance, you will be protecting yourself and reducing pressures on emergency services.”
- attending booked appointments unless they are contacted;
- using NHS 111 for advice on which service to use;
- or calling 999 or going to your nearest emergency department (A&E) if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Information from local hospitals
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: "These planned actions will cause a shortage of doctors over the respective periods, and we are working hard to provide your appointments and/or treatment as planned.
"We will be in touch as soon as possible if we need to rearrange your appointment and/or planned treatment. If you don’t hear back from us, your appointment and/or treatment will be going ahead as planned, so please attend as normal.
"We are sorry for any inconvenience potential rearrangements may cause.
"Some of our services will experience disruption, and A&E is likely to be particularly affected, as it is also happening over the Christmas and Bank Holiday period."
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "We will be making some cancellations and affected patients who are due to attend an appointment and/or receive treatment at our hospitals over this period are being contacted.
"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience these rearrangements may cause.
"If you do not hear from us, your appointment/treatment will be going ahead as planned, so please attend as normal.
"Please only come to A&E if you have a life or limb-threatening emergencies as if you attend with a non-urgent or emergency condition you will be waiting significantly longer than usual.
"If you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, please consider using a different service to get the care you need. You could:
- Call NHS 11 or visit the NHS 111 website
- Make an appointment with your GP
- Go to a local pharmacist
"In A&E, we will assess you as quickly as we are able to. If we feel you need to stay, we will aim to treat you as soon as possible, based on the urgency of your clinical need.
"If we feel you could be seen elsewhere, we will ask you to do so and advise you on the most appropriate place to go. If you then decide to stay, please be aware that you could be waiting a long time to be seen.
"Regardless of industrial action, please continue to seek urgent medical care if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
"Please treat all staff with respect during this busy time. Thank you for your support and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
- For general health advice or for anyone who is injured or unwell, but it is not a life-threatening emergency, using the NHS 111 online service is advised to get quickly directed to the most suitable services. People should only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
- NHS 111 is a free, 24 hour online or phone service that provides help and advice on the most appropriate medical care; it can also arrange phone consultations with healthcare professionals and book appointments at urgent treatment and out of hours medical centres. Parents and carers of young children can also find health advice on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.
- Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to more serious complications, especially for those over 65 or for people who have a long-term health condition. Checking in on vulnerable friends, neighbours or relatives, is particularly important as temperatures drop. Helping vulnerable people by ensuring they are safe, warm, and have enough food and medicine will mean they can avoid going outside during very cold weather.
- Emotional support is also available over this period through Guide-Line between 8am and 12am on 08001 884 884 or the Healthy Minds website to get help. For 24/7 urgent mental health crisis support, people should contact First Response on 08009521181.
- For people who have repeat prescriptions, electronic repeat dispensing (known as eRD) gives them the reassurance of knowing their next prescription will be ready for collection at their pharmacy when they need it, and flexibility so they have medication at busy times. Guidance on how to order a repeat prescription is also available on the NHS website, or you can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions.
- People may also consider having at home a small stock of basic medicines for minor illness or injury. These may include paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine. See the NHS website for advice on what you should keep in your first aid kit, or ask your local pharmacist for advice.
