As Hospitals across West Yorkshire and Harrogate prepare to treat an expected surge of patients suffering from the new COVID-19 variant Omicron they are asking the public to be patient with staff and ensure that you and your family are fully vaccinated.

The new variant comes as hospitals are already facing the busiest and most challenging winter in their history as they deal with this unprecedented demand. 

Since the end of May, when there were 42 COVID-19 patients across the six hospital trusts that work together as WYAAT (The West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts), figures released today (16/12) show there are 221 people receiving treatment across our hospitals, 20 of which are in intensive care units (ICU).

That represents a 3% rise of total inpatients compared to the previous week, however, the overall number of people requiring hospital treatment for COVID-19 remains high.

To help the NHS through this period all adults in England can now book a COVID-19 booster vaccine. Every adult is eligible for a jab three months after their second vaccine and you can make that booking as soon as you have reached two months after your second vaccine. To book your booster jab, please visit the NHS National Booking Service. 

While hospitals are still treating significant numbers of patients this additional demand means we have to prioritise those in the most urgent medical need.  This means the time you may wait at an emergency department for more minor treatment could be impacted and you may have to wait longer than anticipated.

Please also remember that while some restrictions have been eased there has been no change to the requirement to wear face masks and observe social distancing in hospitals and other clinical settings.  This is to help protect vulnerable patients and ensure staff can continue to work in order to meet the significant demand facing the NHS.

If you have a medical issue and you are not sure what to do, please call NHS 111 or go online to 111.nhs.uk. This will help to ensure you are directed to the right NHS service for your issue. If it's an emergency, always dial 999.

A daily record of patients who have died is published by NHS England.  

Data by trust (as at 8am 16/12/21)*

*Hospitals across our region have varying bed numbers and services