Health leaders are calling on patients to use 999 or A&E for life-threatening conditions only, to help hard-pressed emergency teams deal with high levels of patient needs.
Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer at North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Ambulance and A&E teams are under real pressure and are focusing on the patients who need their help the most. Our thanks go to all our staff who are working incredibly hard to ensure patients get the care they need.
“If you’re seriously unwell over the next few days, it’s important that you get help. For anything else, please contact a community pharmacy, 111 online or by phone, an urgent treatment centre or your GP practice when it is open. Patients who come to A&E with minor problems should expect a long wait and may be asked to use a different service.
“We have planned carefully for a busy winter – including special respiratory hubs and Hospital at Home services so more patients can get the care they need without being admitted to hospital. You can really help by using NHS services carefully.”
Claire Jobling, head of operations north for the North East Ambulance Service, said: “We are experiencing additional demand on our service over the holiday period, especially on days when other healthcare providers operate on reduced hours or are closed.
“We are seeing pressure across the whole system, so we are asking that patients only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, please use 111 online for medical support with illnesses and injuries.
“By doing this, you are supporting the wider NHS and our service to ensure that we have enough resources to care for the poorliest patients at our busiest time of the year.”
For less urgent needs, patients can get help from NHS 111 online, which includes a symptom checker and will re-direct you to a health professional if you need medical attention. You can also phone 111.
Self-care advice is available online at www.nhs.uk, which also includes details of local pharmacy services.
Anyone needing urgent mental health support can get help by calling 111.
Families can also download the Healthier Together app for advice on common childhood illnesses and when to get medical help. Healthier Together is available from the App Store and Google Play.
