NHS staff in the Bradford district have been praised for their hard work in the face of “exceptional” winter pressures.

The coldest start to a winter for 30 years caused an increase in falls and breathing problems which, combined with outbreaks of flu and the winter vomiting bug norovirus, are behind a sharp rise in demand for health services.

Three wards at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are closed to new admissions because of winter vomiting disease and visiting restrictions are in place.

Sally Ferguson, chief nurse at the trust, which runs St Luke’s Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary, said “unusual measures” such as diverting all clinical staff to work on wards and delaying some non-urgent operations, were helping the trust to cope.

She said: “Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust does have beds available. In recent weeks we have been experiencing exceptional levels of demand, along with all other hospitals nationwide.

“We have been extremely busy and have had to take unusual measures to make sure that we can cope.

“Our staff have been working very hard, are working additional hours and we have delayed some non-urgent, planned operations. Our staff have shown incredible dedication and a massive thank-you must go to them.

“We would ask that all patients think about whether A&E is the most appropriate place for them to be treated. People can seek advice from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or nhsdirect.uk, can see pharmacists for help and should remember to keep their medicine cabinet well-stocked, particularly over the upcoming Christmas period.”

Airedale General Hospital has also issued a plea to visitors to help in the fight against flu and the norovirus.

Bridget Fletcher, director of nursing said: “We know that a major outbreak of flu and winter vomiting disease is predicted and we at Airedale are doing all we can to help protect patients now and over the Christmas period.

“The hospital has excellent infection prevention and control measures in place, however we would urge visitors and relatives to follow a few simple steps to help us protect their loved ones.”

Notices are being placed at entrances to the hospital asking visitors not to enter if they have been unwell themselves within the last 48 hours or been in contact with someone who is unwell, not to bring prepared food into hospital or eat or drink on the ward, children under 16 should not visit adult wards if at all possible, only two visitors can see each patient, visiting is restricted to designated hours and hands should be washed before and after visiting.