THE huge increase in 999 calls made by Airedale Hospital is, quite frankly, alarming.

To see numbers soar from 207 to 393 should set alarm bells ringing.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust says it is unable to provide a breakdown for different types of 999 call.

It explains that a chunk in the past year emanated from its digital care team, requesting emergency ambulances.

But hundreds more will have been requesting immediate police assistance.

Whatever the reasons, surely a thorough examination is required to determine what can be done to halt the surge.

Analysis of the nature of the calls is essential.

If there are increasing numbers of situations where staff or patient safety is at risk, that information is vital.

Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team is clearly concerned about the situation. Finding ways of reducing the volume of calls from the trust to the police is listed as one of the team's priorities.

Most people would agree that Airedale Hospital does a wonderful job and have nothing but admiration for the dedication of the staff.

There is no criticism at all of employees, who like everyone in the cash-strapped NHS are having to serve under increasingly difficult circumstances.

And clearly in genuine emergency cases, 999 must be called.

However, the health sector will be more aware than most of the importance of reducing strain on the 999 services.