PEOPLE in the Bradford district are being urged to only attend A&E if they are suffering with life or limb-threatening injuries.

NHS leaders in Bradford and Airedale have issued the reminder as hospitals continue to face significant pressure due to the junior doctors’ four-day industrial action this week.

If people attend A&E with non-urgent or emergency conditions they will be waiting significantly longer than usual/

Instead, they should visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111, or contact their local GP or pharmacist.

The 96-hour industrial action, which affects hospitals across the country, began on April 11 and is running continuously until the day shift starts on Saturday, April, 15.

Saj Azeb, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The junior doctors’ industrial action has severely reduced the number of doctors we have in our hospitals, and this is having a particular impact in A&E.

"That’s why we have to prioritise the clinically most urgent patients.

“People can continue to help us during this time by only using A&E services when absolutely necessary.

"There are many other ways to get healthcare advice and treatment which will be quicker and will help us care for those who need us most.”

Leanne Cooper, chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, added: “During this period of strike action we really need people to only come to A&E if it is a genuine life or limb-threatening emergency so we can care for our sickest patients.

“This position is likely to continue into the weekend, after the industrial action has finished.

"If you do come with a non-urgent problem your wait time will be significantly longer. We encourage you to seek help from NHS 111, your GP or local pharmacist and avoid a long wait.”