To support local people and ease pressures on the NHS during the colder winter months, Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) have once again launched their Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Hubs across Calderdale’s five Primary Care Networks.
As flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses rise during winter, the ARI Hubs provide timely assessments, advice, and treatment for people with symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and other signs of respiratory illness.
Last year during the 2024–25 winter season, the ARI hubs made 17,531 appointments available, with 17,054 used – a utilisation rate of over 97%. They also supported 10,673 A&E avoidances, meaning patients who used the ARI hubs reported they would otherwise have attended A&E.
Innovative care with Point of Care Testing (POCT)
A key feature of the ARI hubs is the use of rapid Point of Care Testing (POCT) – a simple finger pin-prick blood test that can determine whether an infection is viral or bacterial within 10 minutes.
The approach is helping clinicians make faster, safer decisions about treatment, reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, and lower repeat GP visits and A&E attendances. Calderdale’s work embedding POCT in ARI hubs has also been recognised nationally, winning the ‘Most Patient Centred’ award at the Primary Care Respiratory Society annual conference for its focus on patient care and outcomes.
Accessible care across Calderdale
The Acute Respiratory Infection Hubs are officially open from Monday 29 September 2025 and throughout the winter period. Patients contacting their GP practice with respiratory concerns may be referred to an ARI hub if their symptoms match the criteria.
The five ARI hubs are located at strategic points across Calderdale, providing assessments, diagnostic tests, oxygen monitoring, medication, and follow-up care. Where required, patients are referred back to their GP for further treatment.
The ARI hubs are delivered by Pennine GP Alliance in partnership with the Calderdale and Huddersfield Urgent and Emergency Care Board, part of Calderdale Cares Partnership.
Dr Asif Yaseen, Medical Director at Pennine GP Alliance, said: “The winter months bring extra pressures for both patients and GP practices, particularly around respiratory illnesses. Re-opening the ARI hubs ensures people can get the right care quickly, while helping practices focus on routine care for their communities.”
Will Menzies, Chief Executive of PGPA, added: “Following another successful year, we are pleased to bring the ARI hubs back. They provide an essential service, giving patients timely assessments for respiratory symptoms and helping reduce the demand on GP surgeries and urgent care.”
Dr Fawad Azam, PGPA Board Member and Clinical Director for Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network, said: “The ARI hubs are an important part of winter planning. They make it easier for patients to get seen promptly for symptoms such as coughs or flu, and they give clinicians the support needed to manage seasonal pressures safely and effectively.”
PGPA are using the FebriDx rapid point-of-care test, which that uses a fingerstick blood sample to aid in the differentiation between bacterial infection and non-bacterial etiology.
For further information please visit: www.penninegpa.co.uk/our-services/acute-respiratory-hubs