Introducing 24 Hours NOT in A&E. Follow four people with four different health concerns as they get the NHS care they need – quickly and easily, without needing to go to A&E. 🫶
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:
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.
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.
Here are some ways you can get the help you need quicker:
- Refer yourself: You can now refer yourself to a range of services, without needing an appointment at your GP surgery. Referring yourself can offer quicker access to a range of services, from physiotherapy to mental health support, making it easier than ever to get the help you need.
- Use the NHS app: At home or on the move the NHS App provides a simple and secure way for you to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
- Visit a pharmacy: Your local pharmacy should be your first stop for minor illnesses, medication advice, and health checks. Many also offer vaccinations, repeat prescriptions, and confidential consultations to get you the right care quickly.
- See the wider general practice team: General practice teams are made up of a range of health professionals who work at your GP surgery and in the wider community to help you get the right care when you need it.
- Access health and wellbeing services in your local community: Improve your health and wellbeing with free local community services, including staying active, managing your weight and stopping smoking.
- Use 111: NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, urgent dental care, or consultations with a pharmacist. And, if needed, it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.
By 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.