People needing urgent health care are being urged to go online to take the pressure off A&E departments as the NHS faces a “winter like no other”.
NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said the coming months are likely to be “extremely tough” because of pressures from a combination of Covid-19 and seasonal flu.
Prof Powis spoke as he launched the "Help Us, Help You" campaign promoting the NHS 111 online service, which is aimed at giving advice and support to patients with urgent but not life-threatening issues.
NHS England said the online service can direct patients to urgent treatment centres and walk-in clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies and emergency dental services.
If needed, they can have a call with a healthcare professional.
Prof Powis said: “As we approach an extremely tough winter like no other, using NHS 111 online first will ensure everyone who needs medical advice can access it quickly and conveniently, alongside other services, while allowing us to care for the most seriously ill and injured patients in our A&Es.
“So, if you need urgent care but it’s not life-threatening, visit 111 online first – we’ll put you in touch with a healthcare professional if needed and help you get the treatment you need – and please continue to come forward for care, including through 111, your pharmacist or GP if you prefer.”
He also stressed the importance of people taking up the offer of a “life-saving” Covid jab as well as the flu jab if eligible.
The campaign comes after the NHS had its busiest September on record. Health leaders are warning of pressures on hospitals, and ambulance services report having “lost” 35,000 hours queuing outside emergency departments.
Major A&E departments treated more than 1.39 million people in September.
Ambulances responded to a record 76,000 life-threatening call-outs, while 999 took nearly one million calls in September.
NHS 111 has also seen record demand, taking a call every seven seconds and over 1.9 million calls in total across August.
On Saturday (October 21), an ambulance service declared a critical incident in the face of “extreme pressures” and an “overwhelming” volume of calls.
South Central Ambulance Service pleaded with the public to be wise when considering whether to call, reminding people they are to be contacted in the event of life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
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