Our Trust, like others nationally, is due to be affected by industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors) between 7am on Wednesday, 17th December to 7am on Monday, 22nd December. 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 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.
“In the upcoming strike, and as demand for our services is stretched due to high levels of flu and respiratory illnesses in our local communities, staffing will be exceptionally tight. 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