NHS urges public to use 111 and not A&E over Christmas except for ‘life-threatening emergencies’

The public is being urged to use NHS 111 instead of going to A&E over the festive period unless it’s a serious injury or a life-threatening emergency.

After it was estimated that a significant number of A&E attendances are either “avoidable” or “could be better treated elsewhere”, the NHS’s top A&E doctor is now calling on the British public to make full use of 111 services this winter, instead of heading straight to their nearest emergency department if it’s not necessary.

Ahead of Christmas, which is always one of the busiest times of the year for for NHS, Professor Julian Redhead is asking people to only to use 999 or A&E services for life threatening emergencies and serious injuries.

If this isn’t the case, they should otherwise “get to the help they need by calling or using 111 online” or via the NHS App.

See more

It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere.

NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way for people to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems. Call, go online or use the NHS App.

➡️ https://t.co/WYbFJXDdZw pic.twitter.com/tHWj08mYqg

— NHS England (@NHSEngland) November 25, 2024

Following a record few months of A&E and ambulance demand, the pressure is now said to have risen across other parts of the NHS – with the health service believed to be going into winter busier than ever before.

“We know that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances could be better treated elsewhere, as well as one in six calls to 999 just needing advice over the phone,” Professor Redhead explained. “So I really want to encourage everyone to use our free, around the clock 111 service that can give millions of people this winter fast, safe and easy access to the advice or treatment they need.”

NHS 111 is described as being an “easy and convenient” way for people to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems from the comfort of their own home.

The service – which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist.

If needed, the service can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor, or paramedic, or provide self-treatment advice over the phone.

Earlier this year, NHS 111 also began offering crisis mental health support for the first time.

Read more:

• NHS 111 service begins offering crisis mental health support for the first time
• Some common illnesses can now be diagnosed and treated at NHS pharmacies instead of GPs
• The NHS found to be in a ‘critical condition’ following an independent investigation

“We’ve protected A&Es from strikes this winter and are supporting the NHS to cope with winter pressures,” Health Minister Karin Smyth added.

“But with a busy season ahead, it’s important people only attend A&E for emergency care.”

Featured Image – Nordwood Themes (via Unsplash)