People urged to stay safe if they're visiting the pub this weekend
As restrictions ease in West Yorkshire, health care services are seeing a significant increase in demand
People in West Yorkshire are being asked to stay safe this weekend, if they're going out, as demand for health services in the region have increased significantly.
The NHS in Leeds is now asking people to choose the best service for their needs if they are feeling unwell or have a minor injury.
COVID-19 case rates across the West Yorkshire region are currently higher than other parts of the country.
Health care professionals are reminding people that health centres and hospitals still need to follow strict social distancing and infection control measures to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to vulnerable patients and staff.
"All we ask of people is to be kind to NHS staff; they’re doing everything they can to meet the needs of patients as safely as they can.”
Dr Sarah Forbes, GP and Associate Medical Director for Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“Since March 2020, the challenges faced by the NHS have been unprecedented and we’re now seeing more people than ever, both in GP practices and in our emergency departments. Along with A&E, primary care is also dealing with record numbers of patients.
“Before you visit A&E or request a GP appointment, we’re asking people to think about which service is right for them. This helps us focus our attention on the most poorly people in our community.
“We know the next few months will be difficult, but we will rise to the challenge. All we ask of people is to be kind to NHS staff; they’re doing everything they can to meet the needs of patients as safely as they can.”