'Only come to A and E in an emergency' plea as Halifax's hospital plans for string of bank holidays and a FOUR-DAY junior doctor's strike

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust issued a warning earlier this week that its hospitals are extremely busy and people could be waiting a long time to be seen.

"Please only come to A and E if your condition is life or limb-threatening,” they said.

“You will be waiting a long time to be seen, whilst we prioritise those with the most urgent need.”

Now they are also asking people to make sure they are prepared for the long Easter weekend – the first of five this Spring.

A planned four-day walkout by junior doctors from April 11 until April 15 is also likely to have an impact on services.

The NHS region’s Medical Director for Primary Care, Dr Faisel Baig, said people can use the NHS 111 online service for urgent help on a wide range of health problems.

He said NHS 111 will direct people to the most appropriate option.

He said people should only call 999 and go to A and E in an emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Most GP practices in Calderdale will close for the Easter period from 6.30pm on Thursday, April 6 until 8am on Tuesday, April 11.

Pre-bookable GP appointments are available on Saturday, April 8 at some surgeries from 9am to 5pm.

Anyone who needs a repeat prescription to try to make sure they have the medication they need before Easter weekend.

Guidance on how to order a repeat prescription is available on the NHS website, as well as how to find a pharmacy open over the bank holidays.

Dr Steven Cleasby, a Calderdale GP and clinical lead for the Calderdale Cares Partnership Board said: “Please remember to be prepared for long weekends and order prescription medicine you need in good time so you don’t run out.

"And a well-stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit can be used to treat most common ailments at home.”

For more information visit the NHS 111 website at https://111.nhs.uk/