Our Trust, like others nationally, is due to be affected by industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors) between 7am on Friday, 25th July to 7am on Wednesday, 30th July. The strikes form part of a national dispute over pay.
We have been working with our healthcare partners to ensure we continue to be able to deliver safe care during the period of industrial action.
During the action, we will prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.
We are doing our best to keep disruption for our patients and their families to a minimum, while ensuring we can continue to provide both emergency care for the most seriously ill and injured patients, as well as care for our patients on the wards.
We may need to postpone some appointments and procedures where it is necessary, and will reschedule immediately, where we can. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
If you are expecting a baby, please continue to attend maternity services as normal.
If you need medical help or advice, go to NHS 111 online, unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.
Huw Masson, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Director at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Emergency Department is for life or limb-threatening emergencies only. Patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
“In the upcoming strike staffing will be exceptionally tight, and as you would expect, we will prioritise emergencies.
"If you do not have a life or limb-threatening emergency, you will be prioritised accordingly and may be redirected to alternate services or wait a long time to be seen.”
For tips and advice on staying well, and information on health and care services across Calderdale and Kirklees, go to www.togetherwe-can.com
Advice for those travelling to other parts of the country
- If you’re staying in England and are away from home and need a GP appointment for routine treatment, please call your own surgery. And if you need a prescription, they can send it to any pharmacy you choose.
- Make sure you have enough of your prescribed medications. You can easily order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, though your GP practice website or, if you do not have access to GP online services, by calling your GP practice.
- Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit at home or with you. Find out what you need here https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-keep-in-my-first-aid-kit/
