Posted on: 15 July 2022
Summer events and social gatherings are returning as part of our lives, but COVID transmission rates are rising sharply in West Yorkshire. The numbers of people with COVID in hospital beds are now greater than during the previous wave, our social care sector is under huge pressure, and we should remain cautious warns West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health for Kirklees Council and Public Health Lead for West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said:
“Our NHS and social care system is under pressure, especially with extremely hot weather alongside increasing rates of COVID. But there are a few simple things we can all do to help. Being cautious about mixing with groups of people if you’re feeling unwell is a good way of stopping the spread. Those other basic steps, like keeping rooms well ventilated and good hand hygiene, will also help. Above all, being up to date with your jabs is the best way you can protect yourself and our health service. It’s never too late to get protected”.
Information about how to get your COVID-19 vaccination can be found at nhs.uk and via the NHS App. Whether it’s a first, second or a booster dose no appointment is necessary – visit www.
The Met Office has also issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat from Sunday 17 July and West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership are reminding everyone to be sun smart and to choose health and care services wisely.
The main risks posed by a heatwave are not drinking enough water, overheating – which can make symptoms worse for people with heart or breathing problems – and heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Rob Webster CBE, CEO Lead for West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said:
‘The consequences of a heatwave can affect anyone, including older people, and those who live on their own or in a care home, people who have a long-term health condition, babies and the very young. Please check-in on your vulnerable neighbours across Bradford District and Craven; Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield District to make sure they are following the advice and stay well during the heatwave. If you do become unwell it is important that you get the right care in the right place. Please choose the best service for your needs across West Yorkshire. If you have a medical problem and aren’t sure what to do visit 111.nhs.uk’.
For more information on summer health advice visit Seasonal advice - NHS - Together We Can (togetherwe-can.com) https://
Families can also visit Healthier Together, a free website developed by local healthcare professionals to help parents and carers keep their children safe and healthy. It has a wide range of information and is available by visiting https:/
The team behind the website have ensured the online advice complements local advice given across health and care services. Information has been reviewed by local paediatricians, GPs, community pharmacists, health visitors and other professionals across the region to ensure it is the most current, and up to date information available.
It also offers practical advice on whether a child should go to nursery or school if unwell, along with advice on keeping children safe, well and in good general health.
Notes to the editor
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) is a large integrated care system (ICS) that supports 2.4 million people, living in urban and rural areas. 770,000 are children and young people. 530,000 people live in areas ranked in the most deprived 10% of England. 20% of people are from minority ethnic communities. There are an estimated 400,000 unpaid carers, as many don’t access support. Together we employ over 100,000 staff and work alongside thousands of volunteers. The Partnership is made up of the NHS, councils, community care providers, hospices, the voluntary social enterprise community sector, Healthwatch and communities.
Contact details
Please contact West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership via email karen.
The Heat-Health Alert Service
Renewed hot or very hot conditions will develop across the country during this coming weekend and into the new working week, peaking on Monday and Tuesday, with some exceptional temperatures possible in places. The hottest locations are likely to be in parts of central and eastern England.
The Heat-Health Alert Service is designed to help healthcare professionals manage during periods of hot weather. The service acts as an early warning system forewarning of periods of high temperatures, which may affect the health of the public.
The Heat-Health Alert Service operates in England from 1 June to 15 September each year, in association with UK Health Security Agency. This is the period when temperature thresholds are most likely to be reached. However, should thresholds for an alert be reached outside of this period, an extraordinary Heat-Health Alert will be issued and stakeholders are advised to take the usual public health actions.
How to help
At the current time we are seeing pressures across the entire system. All our health and care services are continuing to see an increase in the number of people needing help. There are a number of ways we ask people across West Yorkshire to help us to help you.
Let’s Keep West Yorkshire Going: Infection rates are extremely high, please continue to be COVID-aware. Please wear a mask when in all health and care setting. Please have your vaccine, including your 4th jab if invited.
We’re all here to help each other – please be kind: The West Yorkshire Leaving a Gap campaign recognises that services are extremely busy, and it can be frustrating for people accessing care. The campaign is to remind people we’re all here to help each other and the importance of all round understanding and kindness. During the pandemic, reports of abuse directed at doctors’ surgery staff and community pharmacy teams across West Yorkshire have increased. In response, the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership has launched a new insight driven campaign called ‘leaving a gap’ to make people think about the consequences of abusive behaviour. Abuse towards our colleagues can contribute to us losing staff, leaving gaps and making it harder to run our services.
Together We Can all play our part to protect ourselves and those around us. If you do become unwell it is important that you get the right care in the right place and self-care when we are able to. Many minor issues like a sore throat or rash can be dealt with at home or your local pharmacy and 111.nhs.uk can give you urgent medical help and advice. Visit https:/
Looking out for our Neighbours is a West Yorkshire community campaign that inspires small acts of kindness that can create a big difference. ‘Looking out for our neighbours’ and each other can make a positive difference to people’s lives, particularly those that are lonely, vulnerable or isolated. By all doing ‘our bit’ we can all help keep spreading the kindness.