Due to building works currently being undertaken at Harrogate District Hospital, our Phlebotomy department (blood tests) has had to relocate to Cedar Ward (D202) in Wing D (Briary).
We have put up directional signage to the new location for anyone visiting for a blood test. If you are unsure where to go, please ask a member of our staff to direct you to Cedar Ward.
You can also consider using our community blood testing service which is located at Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough, HG5 0AS, and is open weekly Monday to Friday, 7.30am-11am. The venue offers ample free parking, is well served by public transport and is fully accessible.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Directions to Cedar Ward from Harrogate District Hospital Main Entrance.
The future of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s (HDFT) community based blood testing (phlebotomy) service is looking rosy after a new home was found for the service.
Over the last nine years, HDFT has operated the service from the pharmacy within Sainsbury’s supermarket in Harrogate, in addition to Harrogate District Hospital. This has provided more flexibility for people who have been sent for a blood test by their GP or consultant.
Due to the upcoming closure of the pharmacy within the supermarket, the service will be relocating to the Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough, HG5 0AS, from Tuesday 2 May, where it will be open weekly from Monday to Friday,7.30am-11am.
Visitors will not need to book an appointment, however they will need to bring with them an ICE Request Form from their GP or consultant for the test to be undertaken.
The community based service has proven to be a massive success with nearly 10,000 patients choosing to have the test done at the supermarket in the last year, which has helped reduce the number of patients needing to visit Harrogate District Hospital.
Due to upcoming building work at the hospital, the waiting area in the phlebotomy department will be temporarily reduced in size. People who would have previously gone to Sainsbury’s for their blood test are being encouraged to visit the Chain Lane Community Hub if it is convenient to do so, to reduce the chances of overcrowding or longer waiting times at the hospital.
Emma Jocelyn, Phlebotomy Manager at HDFT said: “We know that being able to have a blood test at a community location is extremely popular. We were keen to continue this service in the future and we are delighted to have found the ideal venue at the Chain Lane Community Hub which offers ample free parking, is well served by public transport, is fully accessible and has convenient shopping nearby.
“The Chain Lane Community Hub location will be more convenient for some people, and we know that for others, the chance of being seen more quickly than at our hospital due to the shorter queues will appeal.
“We look forward to welcoming those people who need our help to our fantastic new location.”
Sue Vasey from the Chain Lane Community Hub said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the Phlebotomy Team to the Community Centre. This will be great for the people of Knaresborough and surrounding areas and we look forward to supporting this important new service to the town.”
Further information on the phlebotomy service provided by HDFT can be found at https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/services/pathology/blood-tests-phlebotomy/
Are you on a waiting list for treatment or opinion? If so, we need your help.
As you are undoubtedly aware, waiting times for NHS services have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. We know this can affect people, and we are sorry for the impact this may have had whilst you wait for your appointment or treatment. We are committed to providing the best possible healthcare for our patients and we are working hard to address this issue so that we can see you as quickly as possible.
One step we are undertaking is to review our waiting lists. We know people’s conditions and needs can change over time which require us to reprioritise our lists. Whilst some people may need to be seen sooner, other people may be feeling much better and no longer require an appointment or treatment, or they may need to reschedule as the date is no longer suitable. Where this is the case, it is important that we are able to offer such appointments to those people who really need them. If you are on one of our waiting lists at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), you may soon be being contacted via text message to check that you still require the referral that has been made for you. Should you receive such a message we would appreciate it if you could respond as soon as possible, so that we can make any required changes.
What is the Waiting List Validation system?
Depending upon which waiting list you are on at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, you may receive a text and/or email asking you to confirm whether you still require the appointment, would like to delay it to a future date, or do not require the appointment at all.
You will only be contacted if you have been on certain waiting lists for at least 12 weeks. Not everyone will be contacted via this system, so please do not worry if you are not contacted.
If you already know that you need to cancel or re-arrange an appointment, then your appointment letter will contain details about how you can do this. So please don’t wait until we contact you to do this.
Do I need to do anything now, before the waiting list validation starts?
Yes, please check with your GP to ensure that your correct mobile number is on record. Alternatively, if you are registered for the NHS app, you can check this by navigating to the ’Manage your NHS account’ section.
What are the benefits of the Waiting List Validation?
Waiting lists for appointments across the NHS continue to grow. The Waiting List Validation process will allow you to digitally confirm whether you still require an appointment.
This will have a number of benefits:
- Reduce waiting lists so that patients who no longer require an appointment are removed from the waiting list.
- Reduce the number of people who do not attend an appointment as they no longer require treatment
- Free admin time from multiple calls to make new and more appointments
- Monitor and update results in real time
How do I respond?
The first step of responding will be to follow the link that we will send you via SMS (text) if your referral is on one of the waiting lists that we are validating.
This will take you to a web page which looks like this:
You will be required to sign in by verifying your identity with your date of birth and mobile number, then by the use of a one-time SMS security code.
You will then be able to see any referrals/appointments awaiting a response (Please be aware, not all services at HDFT will be involved with this waiting list validation process, and therefore you may not see all your referrals/appointments on this page, this is perfectly normal).
You will be asked to confirm your response for each referral/appointment requiring a response from the below options:
- “I no longer wish to have my hospital appointment as my symptoms have resolved and I am happy to be discharged.”
- “I no longer wish to have my hospital appointment, as I have received/will be receiving treatment elsewhere and I am happy to be discharged.”
- “I would like to go ahead with my hospital appointment but wish to delay this due to personal circumstances.”
- “I would like to go ahead with my hospital appointment. My condition has not changed, and I still require treatment/opinion.”
- “I would like to speak to someone before I decide. None of the above options apply.”
If we require any additional information from you, or you have asked to speak to someone, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions:
Is the system secure?
Yes, the system is designed with security in mind. We use two-factor authentication to ensure the security of your information. You begin the login process by giving us some personal information (date of birth). To complete the log in process, you will then be sent a 6-digit security code by text message. This code can only be used once. The next time you log in, you will get a new 6-digit code. There is no need to download any app to your device, as the entire process takes place in your devices internet browser.
How do I access referrals/appointments within the system?
Once you have logged in to the web page via the link provided via SMS, please select “referrals” from the main dashboard.
Will my GP be informed if I am removed from the waiting list?
Yes, a letter or email will be sent by HDFT to your GP informing them that you have been removed from the waiting list for any service that you are discharged from.
Will HDFT ask for any financial information or payment?
We will never ask for payment or any kind of financial information through this process. Please do not supply any personal information other than your date of birth and one time security SMS code.
Do I need to remember a username and password?
No, you do not have a username or password, you simply log in via clicking the link and verifying your identity through your date of birth and one-time security SMS code.
How long do I have to respond to the text message or email?
Please respond to the notification within 48 hours.
What happens if I do not respond to the notification or authentication code I receive?
If you do not respond you will be sent a text reminder within 7-14 days. Please respond within 48 hours of this reminder.
When do I receive a notification?
You may receive a notification when you have been on one of HDFT’s waiting lists for a specified number of weeks. This begins at 12 weeks, and then again every 12 weeks thereafter. Not everyone will be contacted via this system, so please do not worry if you are not contacted.
What if I don’t have a smart phone? Or a computer?
If you do not have a smart phone or computer, you will not be able to participate in the waiting list validation and will remain on the waiting list.
Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor Victoria Oldham and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Robert Windass together with Friends of Harrogate Hospital and HDFT staff, were present to witness the grand unveiling of the colourful ‘Thank You NHS’ collage.
This wonderful collage of cartoons of NHS scenes, which was designed by Sandra Gascoigne, a local Dales artist, was unveiled within the Cardiology Department to commemorate 55 years of fundraising by the Friends of Harrogate Hospital.
Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive of HDFT said, “This kind gesture will have a valuable impact towards enhancing the environment for service users, their families and staff within the Cardiology Department”.
“It is through the kind generosity of all who donate towards the valuable cause of going above and beyond the provisions of the NHS, which creates a lasting legacy for many years to come”.
John Fox, Chairman of the Friends of Harrogate Hospital said “To celebrate our 55th Anniversary the Friends wanted to pay tribute to colleagues in all areas of the NHS following the pandemic. The Friends commissioned Sandra Gascoigne to produce a collage of cartoons, a humorous tribute to all who work in the NHS and to thank them all for their efforts over the past few years”.
If you would like further information on supporting the work of the Friends of Harrogate Hospital, please email them at [email protected]
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity is the Charity for Harrogate District Hospital and Community Health Services. The Charity raises funds to help do more for local patients and their families when they need it most. They fund specialist equipment, training and services over and above what the NHS provides, and raise funds for individual departments and services and the charity as a whole. To support Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, visit www.hhcc.co.uk.
Registered charity 1050008
We are working hard to keep patients safe during strikes, while delivering the best care possible, and patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule. Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes, with key services continuing to operate.
Appointments: We are working hard to keep patients safe and deliver the best possible care during the upcoming strike action. We are extremely busy at the moment. If you are concerned that your appointment will be affected by the strike action, please wait and we will contact you in due course if we need to reschedule your appointment. If you have not heard from us, please continue to attend any appointments as planned.
Junior Doctors strike action
Junior Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will be undertaking 72 hours of round the clock industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 14 June to 7am on Saturday 17 June, which may impact on services at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
During this time our hospitals will remain open to provide care for patients who require treatment. The safety of our patients is our utmost priority and we are working hard to ensure there is minimal disruption to patient care and that emergency services continue to operate as normal.
We are currently developing our plans for the propose action and its impact on our services, patients or staff. We are working hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.
Outpatients appointments and planned activity may be affected. Patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule. We will only reschedule appointments and procedures where necessary and any postponed appointments will be re-arranged as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes, and key services will continue to operate.
For people who require medical assistance and are considering visiting our Emergency Department, unless it’s a life-threatening or a severe illness or injury, we would ask that they contact NHS 111 first either by calling or going online https://111.nhs.uk/. The NHS will help them right away and if they need urgent care, the NHS can book them in to be seen quickly and safely.
People with life-threatening or severe illnesses or injuries should continue to dial 999 and anyone who arrives at our Emergency Department without calling NHS 111 will still receive medical care, with those needing emergency treatment prioritised.
GP practices will not be impacted by the nursing strikes. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
Thank you for your understanding.
When to call 999
In an emergency (serious or life threatening condition), please continue to call 999 and you will be advised of the appropriate action to take.
When to contact NHS111 online or call NHS 111
Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or through calling NHS 111. NHS 111 call centres will have fewer staff, with longer call response times expected across the system. As a result, we are urging anyone with non-urgent care needs to first seek help from NHS 111 online.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, please visit the NHS UK website.
If you have an appointment
If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action and will re-arrange any postponed appointments as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Frequently Asked Questions From NHS England
What is happening?
- Junior Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will be undertaking round the clock industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 14 June to 7am on Saturday 17 June, which may impact on services at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible, but pay is a matter for the government and the trade unions. Read more information about the strikes at NHS briefing: Industrial action winter 2023.
What if I need urgent or emergency care?
Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.
What if I have an appointment on a strike day?
Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned, unless your local NHS provider has contacted you to reschedule. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment even if your Trust is affected by strikes.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal.
I have a loved one who will be a hospital inpatient on strike day – how will their care be affected?
All hospital inpatients will be informed of how their care will be impacted on a ward-by-ward basis by the staff involved in delivering their care.
Will GP services be affected on strike days?
GP services will be running as normal on strike days. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.
When will I find out if my appointment is rescheduled?
The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. This is likely to be a text, phone call or a letter, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
If my appointment is rescheduled, will I be put back to the bottom of the waiting list?
Any appointments that need to be rescheduled will be done so as a priority.
Is there anything I should do now?
No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes?
No, if we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
What should I do if I need an ambulance?
On strike days, patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
For all other health care needs support will be available through NHS 111 online, via the NHS 111 helpline or at your local GP or pharmacy.
The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.
What is considered an emergency?
Patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
As part of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) National Maternity Review programme, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) welcomed the CQC’s inspection team to its Maternity Unit at Harrogate District Hospital in November 2022.
The inspection focused on two areas within Maternity Services – Safe Domain (patients are protected from abuse and avoidable harm) and Well-Led Domain (that the leadership, management and governance of the organisation assures the delivery of high-quality and person-centred care, that it encourages learning and innovation, and that it promotes an open and fair culture).
The CQC report summary found that:
“The service had enough midwifery staff to care for women and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, and worked well together for the benefit of women, understood how to protect women from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to women in most areas, acted on them, and kept good care records. They managed medicines well. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent for their role. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of women receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with women and the community to plan and manage services. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for treatment and all staff were committed to improving services continually.”
Despite the positive findings, the CQC has reduced the overall rating of HDFT’s maternity service from Good to Requires Improvement. Whilst the well-led element remains Good, safety has been rated as Requires Improvement. There were two elements that the CQC highlighted for HDFT to take action on, both of which had action underway prior to the inspection; one related to the assurance of regularity of equipment checks in the unit, including some of the patient food fridge temperatures being too cold, and secondly the risk assessment/prioritisation of women accessing the Maternity Assessment Centre, which despite being a national issue for smaller units such as HDFT’s and having a local system in place meaning women did not have to wait to be seen as stipulated in the report, the CQC remained concerned about the potential risk. Three areas of outstanding practice were also identified in the report for wider learning by others across the NHS.
Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive at HDFT said: “With such positive findings in the CQC report it is difficult to understand the resultant rating change and we do not feel it is a fair reflection of the maternity service we provide. The report describes a maternity unit which is fully staffed, with a positive culture, with staff that are competent, listen to women and are always seeking to improve. We are proud of our team for the dedication, professionalism and caring attitude that they show each day whilst supporting those in our care. We are disappointed the rating applied to the service overall and for the safe domain does not appear to reflect the findings in the report.
“Whatever the rating in this report, our response will be to focus on learning and improvement, as it is for any external or internal service review. As part of this focus on continually improving our services, we prioritise listening and learning to ensure we can provide the high quality care that our patients deserve. Listening to people who use our maternity services is so important, as we completely understand that peoples’ experience can differ. This is why, in addition to our own improvement work, we work in partnership with our Maternity Voices Partnership who provide another valuable way for us to hear the needs of those using our services.”
Jen Baldry, Independent Maternity Voices Partnership Chair, said: “We have a passionate and active group of people who work together to create Harrogate Maternity Voices Partnership. We recognise that the MVP is an essential tool for ensuring the maternity services provide the care that service users require by listening to women, birthing people and their families. We receive a lot of positive feedback from our community who praise the care they have had in the maternity department. We will continue to work collaboratively with the Trust to drive continuous improvement. We will take the feedback from the CQC report to help shape the work we do going forward.”
Emma Nunez, Director of Nursing, Midwifery, and AHPs at HDFT said: “We recognise that families may have concerns when they see the rating from the CQC. We would ask anyone who has questions following the publication of the report to contact us, so that we can discuss any concerns and provide reassurance and information to them of the quality of care provided within the unit.
“We would also of course welcome the CQC back into the unit at any time, so that they can see the level of service that we provide here in Harrogate”.
The full CQC Report is available here.
Last week, on Wednesday 18 January, the Parkinson’s Team at HDFT organised an informative event at Cedar Court Hotel regarding the local Parkinson’s service at Harrogate District Hospital.
The event was sponsored and financed by the Harrogate Branch of Parkinson’s UK with 150 people attending including patients with Parkinson’s, their relatives or carers, Reablement team representatives and Leeds PD Charity representatives.
The event’s agenda:
- Who we are and how to access us
- Local Parkinson’s and Dementia forward charity introduction
- Local research update
- Physical exercises and singing demonstration
- Opportunity to talk to the Parkinson’s team, research nurses, Parkinson’s society and Dementia Forward charity
It was a very interactive event, mainly during physical exercise segments where participants were encouraged to stamp their feet and stretch their arms to the ‘’New York’’ song under the supervision of members from the Physiotherapy team before those attending were invited everyone to sing ‘’Drunken Sailor’’.
The atmosphere was amazing. People felt relaxed and at ease. The feedback received was marvellous as the event was thought to be informative, useful and participants felt comfortable enough that they could ask questions.
Appreciative comments included: ‘’it was a brilliant session and fun’’, ‘’an excellent event and I appreciated the positive effect of music’’, ‘’I am heartened to see the team assembled behind, supporting Dr Buccoliero and feel everything is moving in the right direction’’.
The Parkinson’s team, could not be happier as the goal of this meeting had been achieved – for everyone to feel part of a big community promoting reflection, physical exercise, giving, social interactions, and to keep learning.
The hope is to repeat a similar event next year and for the team to continue with their well-established, working relationship with the Harrogate and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Thank you to everyone who came.
Staff in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Harrogate District Hospital have received a new video laryngoscope donated by the Friends of Harrogate Hospital to further improve treatment in the unit.
The group of volunteers raised over £11,000 to purchase the piece of equipment for SCBU, which will help provide better outcomes for babies who are in their care and require ventilation.
The lifesaving equipment will make it easier for staff to see inside the mouth and throat to intubate babies, allowing for an inspection of a patient’s airways before a breathing tube is inserted.
The Friends of Harrogate Hospital frequently organise fundraising events to raise money for wards and departments at Harrogate District Hospital.
Typically, the group raises between £50,000 and £100,000 each year and has donated since they formed in 1966.
From a new MRI Scanner to general medical equipment these funds go beyond to improve the experience for patients and staff.
Vicky Lister Head Matron at SCBU said: “We would like to give heartfelt thanks for the amazing video laryngoscope which was donated to SCBU by the Friends of Harrogate Hospital.
“This piece of equipment will help support doctors when intubating newborns and very young babies whose airways can be difficult to manage due to their small size.
“We looking forward to making use of this equipment when the need arises.”
John Fox, Chair of the Friends of Harrogate Hospital said: “The Friends are highly delighted that after three years, we are back in action supporting Harrogate Hospital and its patients.
“We know the video Laryngoscope will be extremely useful to SCBU in a range of clinical circumstances involving premature birth babies.
“I would like to thank those who have helped to fund this vital equipment on behalf of the Friends of Harrogate Hospital.”
If you are a business who could support the Friends of Harrogate Hospital, please email them at [email protected]
In June, fans of orchestral and choral music are in for a real treat as the long-awaited Harrogate Proms comes to town.
Three years ago, Harrogate music lovers were looking forward to this special showcase concert but, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the event had to be postponed.
The event, which will now take place on Saturday 24 June at 7.30pm at the Harrogate Convention Centre, has been organised by Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC), in partnership with the Harrogate Choral Society (HCS) and the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra (HSO).
The Harrogate Proms will feature a performance by world-renowned soprano soloist, Sarah Fox, who has previously performed in the BBC Proms and is a regular performer locally and on BBC Radio 2. A unique, specially formed choir, ‘Voices for Harrogate’, will be accompanied by the HSO and perform both and operatic and traditional Proms favourites.
The evening will be compered by BBC broadcaster and radio presenter, Liz Green and the concert will be conducted by Bryan Western of HSO and David Lawrence of HCS.
All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to HHCC to help make life-changing differences to patients and their families.
Sammy Lambert, Business Development, Charity and Volunteer Manager for HHCC, says “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is great with the NHS and for us to thank the public for their support through these recent difficult times. Unfortunately, our previously scheduled Proms event had to be postponed due to lockdown restrictions, but we are delighted that we are finally able to present this wonderful showcase, which promises to be the musical event of the year. We are looking forward to having a full auditorium, with the obligatory hooters and flag waving of a traditional Proms event.”
There are still opportunities for local companies and individuals to support our event and anyone interested should email [email protected]
Voices for Harrogate, which currently comprises almost 300 singers, is looking for new singers to join the choir, particularly any tenors or basses, ahead of rehearsals which start after Easter. Budding performers should email [email protected] to register their interest and find out more about the choir.
Tickets are now on sale via the Harrogate Theatre Box Office, ranging from £18 to £28 per person (students half price and 14s and under free). Please visit www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/the-harrogate-proms or call 01423 502116 to book tickets. All ticket sales include a £3 donation to HHCC.
For further information please contact:
Giles Latham, Communications and Marketing Manager on [email protected] and 01423 557470.
Greg Dawson, Communications and Marketing Assistant, on [email protected] and 01423 557732.
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity is the Charity for Harrogate District Hospital and Community Health Services. The Charity raises funds to help do more for local patients and their families when they need it most. They fund specialist equipment, training and services over and above what the NHS provides, and raise funds for individual departments and services and the charity as a whole. To support Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, visit www.hhcc.co.uk.
Registered charity 1050008
We are working hard to keep patients safe during strikes, while delivering the best care possible, and patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule. Nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes, with key services continuing to operate.
Ambulance strike action
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service is being impacted by industrial action that will take place on Monday 20 February, Monday 6 March and Monday 20 March 2023 (GMB and Unite).
During this time our hospitals will remain open to provide care for patients who require treatment.
The safety of our patients is our utmost priority and we have contingency plans in place to minimise any impact industrial action will have. For instance, additional staff will be on duty in our Emergency Department on these days to manage any increase in walk-in attendances for those people unable to travel to hospital by ambulance. We also have alternative arrangements in place to help manage the discharge of patients who are unable to make their own travel arrangements so that they can leave our hospital in a timely manner.
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
When to call 999
In an emergency (serious or life threatening condition), please continue to call 999 and you will be advised if an ambulance will respond or the most appropriate action to take.
There will be fewer ambulances on the roads during industrial action, with the NHS prioritising those with life-threatening needs. As a result patients whose conditions are not life-threatening may not get an ambulance on strike days.
When to contact NHS111 online or call NHS 111
Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or through calling NHS 111. NHS 111 call centres will have fewer staff, with longer call response times expected across the system. As a result, we are urging anyone with non-urgent care needs to first seek help from NHS 111 online.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, please visit the NHS UK website.
If you have an appointment
If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action and will re-arrange any postponed appointments as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
If you are or a member of your family are due to attend hospital services on Wednesday 28 December by hospital transport and are able to make alternative arrangements then this will help support the ambulance service in providing emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions From NHS England
What is happening?
Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the government over the 2022/23 pay award. A number of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action. As a result,
Members of Unite will be striking at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust on:
- Monday 20 February
- Monday 6 March
- Monday 20 March
The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible, but pay is a matter for the government and the trade unions. Read more information about the strikes at NHS briefing: Industrial action winter 2023.
What if I need urgent or emergency care?
Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.
What if I have an appointment on a strike day?
Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned, unless your local NHS provider has contacted you to reschedule. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment even if your Trust is affected by strikes.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal.
I have a loved one who will be a hospital inpatient on strike day – how will their care be affected?
All hospital inpatients will be informed of how their care will be impacted on a ward-by-ward basis by the staff involved in delivering their care.
Will GP services be affected on strike days?
GP services will be running as normal on strike days. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.
When will I find out if my appointment is rescheduled?
The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. This is likely to be a text, phone call or a letter, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
If my appointment is rescheduled, will I be put back to the bottom of the waiting list?
Any appointments that need to be rescheduled will be done so as a priority.
Is there anything I should do now?
No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes?
No, if we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
What should I do if I need an ambulance?
On strike days, patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
For all other health care needs support will be available through NHS 111 online, via the NHS 111 helpline or at your local GP or pharmacy.
The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.
What is considered an emergency?
Patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
How long will services be impacted?
The ambulance strike on 21 and 28 December 2022 will last for 24 hours. However patients should be aware that it may take slightly longer for services to return to normal.