Leeds: let’s work together to protect the NHS

GP practices have remained open and urgent and emergency care for people, including urgent cancer treatment, has continued. To help our first response to the expected impact of coronavirus on our beds and staff the NHS did have to suspend services that were seen as less clinically urgent.

The local NHS is now reopening, safely, despite the rise in cases locally. It wants to remind people that its first priority will always be the safety of patients and staff. We are still not able to treat as many patients as we did before coronavirus. This is because we need more space and time between treatments to ensure all our services are COVID-secure. We know many people have waited a long time in accessing some healthcare appointments or hospital treatment. Every effort is being made to see people as soon as possible, but this will be based on clinical urgency and assuring appropriate health and care staff are available to provide care to those in greatest need.

The NHS is calling on local people to help so that services can continue running, safely. Therefore it’s important to do the following

This year, more than ever, people who have been invited for a flu vaccine should take up the invite.

Anyone experiencing at least one of the symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new continuous cough or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell), should book a test. The service is experiencing a high demand, please show patience. Book a test by calling 119 or going online www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. Please isolate until you can get a test and when waiting for the result.

Do not attend a GP practice or A&E for the purpose of getting a test for coronavirus. People will be advised to go home and go online for a test or contact 119. Going to these places for a test puts others at risk.

Use NHS services wisely. If it is not a life or limb-threatening emergency please do not go to accident and emergency (A&E). Instead please book a GP appointment or call NHS 111 or go online www.111.nhs.uk

Anyone needing support with their emotional health and wellbeing can call the West Yorkshire 24 hour support line 0800 183 0558. For details of other services and self help support please visit www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk. To find out more about emotional health and wellbeing services for children please visit www.mindmate.org.uk.

If you’re worried your child might have coronavirus, please check the NHS website for the latest advice www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

Stay safe, save lives. Please continue to follow the latest guidance on reducing the spread of coronavirus by keeping at least 2 metres from other people outside your household at all times, regularly washing your hands with soap and water, wearing a face covering when you go out, self-isolating should you have symptoms of coronavirus and getting tested if you have symptoms.

Let’s work together this winter to protect each other and the NHS. Find out more by visiting: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/reopening-safely/