CONCERNS about catching coronavirus could be deterring some people with other urgent medical needs from attending Airedale Hospital’s Emergency Department, it is feared.

Whilst the number of patients being seen for severe respiratory problems at the Steeton site is rising daily, overall figures for A&E have seen a significant drop since the pandemic ‘lockdown’ began.

Health trust bosses say they appreciate people not attending the Emergency Department unnecessarily with minor ailments, but they are concerned that some patients who genuinely require urgent treatment are staying away and potentially putting themselves in danger.

Dr Alexandra Danecki, the Emergency Department lead for Covid-19 and consultant in emergency medicine at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are concerned that there may be some people at home with conditions which need emergency treatment who are not accessing care. Failure to diagnose and provide emergency management for these conditions could result in a worsening of a person’s health, which may be difficult to resolve later.

“We recognise that people might be anxious about coming to the Emergency Department, perhaps because they think we are too busy with Covid-19 patients to see them, or because they are worried about catching the virus.”

“While we recognise the pressure our staff are under, we want to reassure people that there are clear processes in place at the hospital to keep staff and patients safe – and they should still come to the Emergency Department if they need to access emergency care.”

She added that in the case of young children, it can be difficult to assess the severity of an illness over the phone and they may require face-to-face clinical assessment – either with their GP or in the Emergency Department.

Latest A&E performance figures, for last month, show that attendances at A&E departments across England were at a record low.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine shares the worry that some patients who need help are not seeking it for fear of contracting coronavirus.

President, Dr Katherine Henderson, said: “The most important thing the public can do at the moment is to stay indoors and follow the Government’s advice. By failing to follow it, you are putting others at risk and the lives of healthcare and other key workers on the line.

“However, do seek medical help if you need it – don’t stay at home with a heart attack out of fear. Our emergency departments have specific areas for Covid-19 patients, and we treat other ailments in another area. Our healthcare system is ‘open for business’. Use NHS 111, your GP or – if you are seriously ill – your A&E department.”