AIREDALE Hospital doctors are urging people to think carefully before attending A&E.
The plea follows a sharp rise in the number of people using the emergency department at the Steeton hospital in the past week.
Admissions to inpatient wards have also been higher than normal.
“We have had an exceptionally busy week and are continuing to experience significant pressure,” said Rob Aitchison, chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.
“We apologise to people who have attended our emergency department and have had to wait longer than we would have liked due to the numbers seeking help.”
He also paid tribute to staff, for working “extremely hard” to cope with the increased demand.
People who do not require emergency help are urged to use an alternative to A&E, such as calling NHS 111 or going online to nhs.uk/111, seeing their GP or visiting a community pharmacist.
Pharmacists can help with common illnesses without an appointment and many are also open evenings and weekends.
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