Harrogate hospital managers warned yesterday that “high numbers of very sick patients” is causing long waiting times.
They added that people with less urgent issues are experiencing long waits.
The news comes weeks after Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust reported that it had reached maximum bed capacity at the start of February due to covid and winter pressures.
In a post on its social media, the trust urged people to call the NHS on 111 unless they had a life-threatening or severe illness or injury.
It said:
“During this week at Harrogate District Hospital we are experiencing high numbers of very sick patients, and due to this the hospital is very full. As a result, patients with less urgent issues may experience longer waiting times than usual.
“This isn’t ideal and we will endeavour to keep waiting times as short as possible. We know that patients can be in pain, stressed or scared, and our dedicated team with do everything they can to help.
“Your health is our utmost priority and all we ask for in return is our staff are treated respectfully and do not have to face verbal or physical abuse as they try to do their job.
“Unless you have a life-threatening or severe illness or injury, we would ask you to contact NHS 111 first.”
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