HOSPITALS in the county are moving to a ‘reset and 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 Covid-19 crisis.

Dr Sal Uka, a Consultant Paediatrician and the Medical Lead for WYAAT, said: “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."

Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Dr Uka added: “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.”

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.’’

While the number of Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals is continuing to fall, people are being reminded that it remains important to continue washing hands, wearing masks, social-distancing, and adhering to national Government guidance.

As of May 13 (figures are collectively released on a Thursday afternoon) a combined total of 60 patients who tested positive for Covid-19 were receiving care in hospitals across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. Nine of those patients were in intensive care.  

Here is the breakdown (number in brackets is from May 6):

  • Airedale NHS Foundation Trust  - 2 (1)
  • Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - 22 (27)
  • Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust - 6 (11)
  • Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust - 1 (3)
  • The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - 19 (14)
  • The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust - 10 (13)