With a series of bank holidays fast approaching, we are asking the public to continue to work us to ensure people can get the help and support they need, when they need it.
With five bank holidays coming up, plus a planned four-day strike action by junior doctors scheduled to take place after Easter, we are doing all we can to prepare for what is expected to be one of our busiest times in recent years.
You can play your part by taking simple steps to look after yourselves, your loved ones and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
You should attend your appointments as planned, unless we contact you to re-arrange.
Amjid Mohammed, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Director at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Bank holidays are always a busy time for us, and with the planned junior doctors strike taking place straight after Easter, we’re expecting there to be fewer doctors on shift than normal.
“During the last period of industrial action, people were waiting a very long time to be seen in our Emergency Departments. This next strike comes off the back of a bank holiday, so we expect the impact to be even worse this time.
“Recently we’ve seen patients present at Emergency Departments with headaches, coughs, colds, stomach aches and other long-term conditions which are not genuine emergencies.
“The Emergency Department is not a quick option to be seen and is for life or limb-threatening emergencies only. We will always prioritise patients with urgent and critical care needs.
“Patients who do not need emergency care will be waiting for a very long time to be seen and may be directed to a more appropriate service.”
Here’s how you can get the help you need during the bank holidays:
General Practice
- Most GP practices in Kirklees will be closed on Good Friday (7 April) and Easter Monday (10 April). Pre-booked appointments will be available as usual on Saturday 8 April, from 9am – 5pm. When your surgery is closed, you can access the GP out-of-hours service by going online at 111.nhs.uk or calling 111.
- Most GP practices in Calderdale will close for the Easter period from 6.30pm on Thursday 6 April until 8.00am on Tuesday 11 April. Pre-bookable GP appointments are available on Saturday 8 April at a local surgery, from 9am-5pm. Visit your GP practice website or speak to reception staff for more information.
Patients can also contact their practice online, through their GP practice website at any time over the bank holiday with a query or concern. This will be responded to when the practice re-opens.
Dewsbury walk-in centre
This service provides assessment, advice and treatment of minor illnesses and a selection of minor injuries.
Dewsbury walk-in centre is in the emergency department of Dewsbury and District Hospital. It’s open from 10am to 6pm (last booking at 17:30) on bank holidays and weekends. Normal weekday opening hours are 9am to 8pm.
Community Pharmacy
Community pharmacists are trained health professionals who can advise on a range of conditions such as tummy aches, sore throats or rashes.
For people who have regular medication, please remember to collect your prescription from the pharmacy in good time. Pharmacy opening hours may be different over the Easter weekend. You can find a local pharmacy and check opening hours on the NHS website.
Urgent and emergency care
For urgent help for people aged five and over, www.111.nhs.uk can provide health care advice and direct you to a suitable service. This could be an appointment with a local out-of-hours GP or dentist. You can also call NHS 111 if you aren’t able to access online services, or if you’re trying to get help get help for a child under five.
Call 999 if it’s a life-threatening emergency.
Mental health support
The free confidential 24-hour mental health helpline will still be available for anyone registered with a GP in Calderdale or Kirklees. They'll advise, listen, and direct you to a local service that can help. Call 0800 183 0558.
First aid kit
Be prepared for common health conditions by keeping your medicine cabinet stocked. Useful items include appropriate pain relief for adults and children, cold and sore throat remedies, and antihistamines. Visit the NHS website for information on what to keep in your first aid kit
Further information
For tips and advice on staying well, and information on health and care services across Kirklees and the West Yorkshire region, go to www.togetherwe-can.com
