Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Extreme

More Than Words

Listen Live Podcasts

Airedale emergency department 'exceptionally busy' with flu cases rising

Friday, 12 December 2025 08:41

Airedale Hospital says its Emergency Department is exceptionally busy and staff are having to prioritise the sickest patients.

The number of patients in hospital across the UK with influenza (flu) has risen more than 50% in the past week and officials have warned there is still no sign this "super flu" peaking yet.

Anyone with a non-urgent medical problem is asked to please call NHS 111, go to www.111.nhs.uk or speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Lianne Robinson, Chief Nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said:

“The number of patients unwell with influenza (flu) in our hospital is rising. The hospital is very busy and our bed capacity fluctuates daily, but our teams continue to work incredibly hard to look after our patients and provide high quality care.

If members of the public are eligible for a flu vaccination I urge them to take it up – they can book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy.

We also continue to see incidences of other infections such as norovirus, Covid and RSV, and ask people not to visit the hospital if they have had any symptoms of a respiratory infection, diarrhoea or vomiting over the last 48 hours. This is to minimise the risk of spread of infection across the hospital and our services.

To help prevent the spread of the virus our teams in the Emergency Department, Acute Assessment Unit, ICU, outpatients and on our children’s and respiratory wards are also wearing masks when caring for patients. You may be asked to wear a face mask in these areas to protect yourself, others and staff.""

Our Emergency Department is exceptionally busy and we have to prioritise the sickest patients so we apologise to anyone who has had a long wait."

More from Local news

Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton

The Skipton community has been thanked for rallying together to help an elderly driver find his car after he forgot where he had parked it.
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton

Runners are set to take on some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most scenic trails when the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler returns to Skipton later this month.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend

Skipton Pride returns tomorrow (Saturday 8th August) for a day of live music, drag performances and family-friendly entertainment.
Police appeal after driver forgets where car was parked in Skipton

A police appeal has been launched after the owner of a car forgot where it was parked in Skipton.
Shoplifter caught trying to dump stolen goods in Skipton bin

A man has been remanded in custody after allegedly trying to dispose of stolen goods in a rubbish bin while being watched by police in Skipton.
Councillor breaks national fundraising record with charity head shave

A North Yorkshire councillor has broken national records by raising more than £17,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after having head and beard shaved.
Festival director facing court after cancelled Skipton event

The director of a food and drink festival which was cancelled just weeks before it was due to take place in Skipton is facing court proceedings.
Yorkshire marketing business raises £1,000 for Skipton children's charity

A Yorkshire marketing consultancy has raised more than £1,000 for Skipton-based The Principle Trust Children's Charity through a series of networking and co-working events supporting both local businesses and a local cause.
Team to push car 130 miles in extraordinary charity challenge inspired by young boy's courage

A Yorkshire family is preparing to push a car 130 miles from Sheffield to Silverstone in an incredible fundraising challenge inspired by the remarkable courage of 12-year-old Luke Mortimer.
Only one more day left to enjoy Skipton Cinema Days this summer

There's just one day left for film fans to enjoy Skipton's free outdoor cinema this summer
Hundreds gather in Skipton for another successful Yorkshire Day event

Crowds gathered in their hundreds in Skipton over the weekend for another successful Yorkshire Day celebration.
Safety reminder after rubbish found in Skipton knife bin

Police are reminding residents to use Skipton's knife surrender bin correctly after rubbish left inside created a potential safety risk.
Skipton bakery retains North Yorkshire's best bakery title for second year

A family-run bakery in Skipton has been crowned the best in North Yorkshire for the second year running.
MP raises Cowling speeding concerns with police and council after residents' complaints

Concerns over speeding and road safety in Cowling have been raised with North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Council by Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith following reports from local residents.
Right at Home celebrates official opening of new office

The award-winning homecare provider supporting people across Ilkley, Skipton, Keighley and the surrounding area has officially opened its new office.
Wanted man found hiding in wardrobe during Skipton arrest

A man wanted by North Yorkshire Police has been arrested in Skipton after officers discovered him hiding inside a wardrobe.
Addingham Beer Festival returns this October

One of the Wharfedale area's biggest annual events is set to return this autumn.
Nominations open for Local Pub Awards 2026 for Skipton and Ripon

Residents across Skipton and the surrounding area are being invited to nominate their favourite local pubs and hospitality staff as nominations open for the 2026 Local Pub Awards.
Campaigners hand in petition over doubling of second homes council tax

Campaigners opposed to North Yorkshire Council’s double council tax charge on second homes have handed in a petition signed by 1,000 people calling for the premium to be suspended.
Skipton Live Reveals 42-Act Line-up for First Ever Music Festival

Skipton Live has unveiled the full line-up for its inaugural music festival, with 42 acts set to perform across the August Bank Holiday weekend.