Airedale bosses make plea ahead of doctors strike action

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 15:44

Airedale bosses say 'it's important that people only come to A&E if they are seriously unwell or injured'

Bosses at Airedale Hospital have issued a plea ahead of the resident doctors strike which starts on Friday.

The strike action from resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) will take place from 7am on Friday, 25 July to 7am on Wednesday, 30 July 2025.

During the industrial action resident doctors will provide some core cover, however during this period consultants and specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors at Airedale Hospital and Bradford Teaching Hospitals will be working differently to ensure patient safety will be maintained during the period of action.

It is possible that some elective care treatments and outpatient appointments will be impacted.

The NHS is asking patients to choose services wisely during the industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most. This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

Saj Azeb, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, said:

“The industrial action will reduce the number of resident doctors we have in our hospitals, and this will have a particular impact on our Emergency Department (ED).

“Throughout this week some elective care and outpatient appointments will be postponed and rearranged so that we can ensure we can continue to run emergency care services. Patients should attend any booked appointments unless they hear otherwise.”

Leanne Cooper, Chief Operating Officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust added:

“Our Emergency Departments are extremely busy and will be affected by the industrial action taking place, so it’s incredibly important that people only come to A&E if they are seriously unwell or injured.

“We will do our best to minimise the impact on elective care and outpatient appointments and those affected will be notified. To help look after those who need emergency medical help, please use NHS 111 online as a first port of call for non-urgent medical advice. Remember 999 and A&E departments are for the most serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses.”

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