A Bradford hospital A&E consultant has recorded video messages about the importance of seeking medical help.
The messages from Dr Shafi Khan, available below in English and Urdu, remind the public that many services at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are carrying on as normal to provide 24/7 care to patients.
He highlights the importance of attending Bradford Royal Infirmary’s A&E department if people are experiencing a range of symptoms such as chest pain, abdominal pain, fractures, symptoms of a stroke, or any other condition where they would usually attend A&E.
Dr Khan said: “I can understand that people will be feeling anxious and worried during this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. All of us are having to come to terms with the impact of the virus on our daily lives and with the restrictions about where we can go and who we can spend time with.
“But some aspects of life are carrying on as normal and that includes some of the services we provide in our hospitals. While we cannot run all our services at this time, we want this message to assure you that we are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“People can be assured that we are not stepping back from our duties and responsibilities to the people of Bradford. Their health and keeping them safe and well remains our number one priority.”
The Trust’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Bryan Gill added: “I want to stress how important it is that people come to A&E if they have any worrying signs. These signs, including symptoms of a stroke, are explained in the video.
“Coming to A&E to have these things checked out enables us to make sure people are OK.
“When people come, they will notice we may all look a bit different to normal. Staff will be wearing protective clothing such as masks, gloves and gowns – but these are precautions to protect people as well as us. Please don’t be put off by them.
“Remember, we are here to keep the people of Bradford safe – just as we always have and always will.”
Information on attending A&E
The A&E Department provides walk-in access to nursing and medical care. You do not need an appointment. The department provides clinical services to treat the range of problems patients present as an emergency or urgently, in all age groups from babies to the elderly.
Please be aware that A&E is for patients who have an emergency which cannot be dealt with via a GP appointment or by calling the NHS Helpline on 111. Due to high demand, please only attend if you have a genuine emergency.
If you come to A&E we must prioritise the treatment of the sickest patients first, including patients suffering from:
- Suspected heart attack or stroke
- Chest pain
- Unconsciousness
- Heavy blood loss
- Suspected broken bones
- Deep wounds such as stab wounds
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Head injuries
For more information on the services our A&E unit provides, please click here.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus, including a high temperature or a new and continuous cough – even if mild, stay at home and follow the specialist medical advice. You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
For urgent advice: use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service: www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Only call NHS 111 if you cannot get help online.
For more information on attending appointments, please click here.