Managers at Harrogate hospital warn of disruption as strikes continue

We're being urged to use NHS services wisely this Bank Holiday weekend as nurses head out on strike.

Managers at Harrogate Hospital have released a statement: 'During this time our hospitals will remain open to provide care for patients who require treatment. The safety of our patients is our utmost priority and we are working hard to ensure there is minimal disruption to patient care and that emergency services continue to operate as normal.

We are currently developing our plans for the propose action and its impact on our services, patients or staff. We are working hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.

Outpatients appointments and planned activity may be affected. Patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule. We will only reschedule appointments and procedures where necessary and any postponed appointments will be re-arranged as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes, and key services will continue to operate.

For people who require medical assistance and are considering visiting our Emergency Department, unless it’s a life-threatening or a severe illness or injury, we would ask that they contact NHS 111 first either by calling or going online https://111.nhs.uk/. The NHS will help them right away and if they need urgent care, the NHS can book them in to be seen quickly and safely.

People with life-threatening or severe illnesses or injuries should continue to dial 999 and anyone who arrives at our Emergency Department without calling NHS 111 will still receive medical care, with those needing emergency treatment prioritised.

GP practices will not be impacted by the nursing strikes. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

Thank you for your understanding'

Nurses walk out on Sunday and Monday, with Yorkshire Ambulance staff picketing on Monday.

The Unite union says there could well be more action by nurses and other health staff over the summer.

Its members have rejected the latest pay off from the Government of a 5 percent rise and a lump-sum for last year.

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