Pressures on NHS Services

NHS services across the North East and Yorkshire are experiencing extremely high demand at the moment. This includes GP practices and the 111 service which are extremely busy.

· If you need advice for a minor or mild illness, in the first instance please either contact your local pharmacy for help or look at the self care advice that is available online from the NHS at www.nhs.uk

· If you want to check your symptoms, there is an on line symptom checker available at 111.nhs.uk which will re- direct you to a health professional if you need to be consulted by someone

· GP services are open as usual on strike days. Please continue to attend your GP appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise

· Please only call 999 if it is a medical emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk

· Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations but will have to prioritise the most serious calls

· Where the situation is not life- threatening the ambulance service will not be able to respond on the strike days of 21 and 28 December and it is advised that you arrange alternative transport

· A&E will be busier than usual on strike days – you are likely to experience a long wait

· Urgent help is available at urgent treatment centres in Otley and Middleton – the best way to access them is through NHS 111