As winter pressures increase and local NHS services experience higher demand, we are asking everyone to play their part by using services wisely. Please remember: A&E is for life-threatening emergencies or serious injuries only. NHS services work best when everyone chooses the right option for their needs, helping ensure emergency teams can focus on those who need them most.
Recent local research highlights why this matters:
- 42% of people who visited A&E for a non-emergency said they went because they believed they would be seen faster.
- 22% later realised they could have been treated by another NHS service such as a pharmacy, NHS 111 or their GP practice.
- 43% of people locally say they have had a winter illness recently. More than half chose to manage symptoms at home, while a quarter sought advice from their pharmacy.
This winter, there are more convenient ways to get help:
- NHS App — order repeat prescriptions, check your records and manage appointments
- Pharmacy First — trained pharmacists can treat seven common conditions on the same day
- NHS 111 — available 24/7 online, by phone or via the NHS App for urgent health advice
- GP online forms — contact your GP practice online at a time that suits you to book appointments, request advice or raise medication queries without needing to call the practice.
To support people in choosing the most appropriate option, Dr Taz Syed, local GP and Urgent Care Lead, has written a clear and practical guide on how to match your symptoms to the right NHS service. It explains when self-care or pharmacy advice is suitable, when NHS 111 or a GP appointment is needed, and when urgent or emergency care is the safest choice.
Read Dr Syed’s blog on getting the right careBy choosing the right service first, you can often be seen sooner – while helping keep A&E available for people with life-threatening emergencies.
Your NHS is here to help you stay well this winter, and often, the quickest and most convenient support is closer than you think.