THE Accident and Emergency Department (AED) at Bradford Royal Infirmary is under pressure like never before.

While Covid-19 is still causing a strain, most of the pressure is coming from patients with other illnesses.

Dr Jacob Mushlin, an AED Consultant at BRI, said: "I've never seen the A&E under this much stress at this of year.

"We are under a massive amount of pressure, not just from patients with minor conditions, but particularly for patients that are seriously or critically unwell.

Kayleigh Lawton, Senior Sister at BRI, said: "It's been really tough, really hard coming into work with the department full to capacity. Every shift is trying to keep with the demand.

"We've also seen an increase in verbal aggression from patients due to increased waiting times, which is taking its toll."

Dr Sal Uka, Clinical Lead at the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trust, said: "This winter will mark the busiest and most challenging time hospitals across West Yorkshire have ever faced.

"Emergency departments are seeing unprecedented demand on services due to a number of factors, including a significant amount of very poorly people who, for well-intentioned reasons, may have put off seeking medical help during the pandemic when their symptoms first began to appear."