Hospitals across West Yorkshire and Harrogate are moving to a ‘reset & recovery’ stage following the pandemic.

With admissions for Covid-19 continuing to reduce, the six hospital trusts that work together under the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), are prioritising and rescheduling appointments and operations impacted by the pandemic

Dr Sal Uka, a Consultant Paediatrician and the Medical Lead for WYAAT, explains: “As the vaccination programme continues, and the number of Covid-19 admissions to hospitals reduces, our attention is very much on assessing the needs of all patients whose care may have been delayed due to the pandemic.

“As expected, prioritisation is being undertaken on the basis of clinical need with doctors doing so in accordance to nationally agreed guidance. 

“This ensures the most in need patients, including those with cancer, receive their treatment as a priority,” added Dr Uka.

While the number of Covid-19 patients admitted to our hospitals is continuing to fall, it remains important that people keep themselves safe by washing hands, wearing masks, social-distancing, and adhering to national Government guidance.  Only by doing this can we help our local NHS recover and begin to treat those patients whose care has been delayed.

Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Dr Uka said: “Recovering from what has been the biggest health challenge to ever face the modern NHS will take time. One consequence of that will be that some patients will continue to wait.

“It’s important to remember that different hospitals across West Yorkshire and Harrogate have differing capacities and capabilities in terms of delivering treatment to their local population.  This will affect the way individual hospital trusts manage their waiting lists.”

While waiting times for planned care or operations will vary between hospitals, WYAAT are continuing to work with the wider health and care network to identify and introduce collaborative ways of working that deliver real improvements to the care of patients. 

Acknowledging the worry that patients and their families have over postponed treatment, Dr Uka added: “We all understand the impact of delaying any medical care, but please let me reassure you that my colleagues and I across West Yorkshire and Harrogate are continuing to work diligently, and with an absolute determination, to provide the best care, and timely support for patients and their families.

“If in the meantime, if you feel your medical condition, or that of the person you care for, has changed or worsened, please don’t hesitate to contact your GP or you hospital Consultant for help and advice.’’

There are currently a combined total of 51 patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 receiving care in our hospitals across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. Nine of those patients remain in intensive care.  

A daily record of patients who have died from Covid-19 is published by NHS England.  

Data by trust (as at 8am 13/05/21)*

*Hospitals across our region have varying bed numbers and services