NHS’s top A&E doctor urges people to use 111 services this winter

The NHS’s top A&E doctor is urging people to use 111 services this winter as it is estimated that two fifths of A&E admissions could be treated better elsewhere.

It comes as the healthcare service launches its annual campaign with ads across online video, radio, podcasts and social media.

Professor Julian Redhead, the NHS’s national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, reiterated the NHS’s long-standing advice for people to use 999 or A&E services for life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries, and to otherwise call them “to get the help they need” . By calling 111 and using 111 online or via the NHS App.

It’s estimated that up to two fifths of A&E attendances are preventable or could be better treated elsewhere, according to NHS England.

Almost a sixth (16.3% or 124,038) of 999 calls last month were completed with clinical advice over the phone; This is up more than 150% since before the pandemic (6.3% in October 2019) as the NHS recruits more senior clinicians into call centres. NHS England added.

NHS 111 can assess and refer people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP surgeries and consultations with the pharmacist. If necessary, a nurse can arrange for a doctor or paramedic to call you or provide self-treatment advice over the phone.

The 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NHS England said pressure was mounting on other parts of the NHS as healthcare services headed into winter busier than ever after several months of record-breaking emergency and ambulance demand.

Professor Redhead said: “As we approach the busiest time of the year for A&Es, we want to make sure all patients receive the safest possible care, which is why we’re launching our campaign encouraging everyone to ‘get the help they need’. This winter NHS 111 online or telephone services using.

“We know that two fifths of A&E attendances could be better met elsewhere and we also know that one in six calls to 999 require advice over the phone alone, so I would like to encourage everyone to use our free service 111 this winter to get the advice or treatment they need quickly.” , service that can provide safe and easy access.

“Our plans for winter include easier access to urgent care centers and community care, so whether 111 can give you clinical advice over the phone, refer you to a pharmacist, GP team or community provider, or arrange a meeting with a nurse or paramedic, you can use it to help everyone know their needs.” You can help us make sure he gets the care he needs.

“And as always, it is vital that the public use 999 and A&E in life-threatening situations.”

Health minister Karin Smyth said: “We have protected A&Es from strikes this winter and are supporting the NHS to cope with winter pressures; But with a busy season ahead, it’s important people only go to A&E for urgent care.

“With 85% of calls answered in less than a minute, NHS 111 provides fast access to expert advice on a range of health issues.

“By using NHS 111 first, people will be quickly directed to the most appropriate care, whether that be an urgent treatment centre, pharmacy or emergency department.

“Through our Ten Year Health Plan, we will deliver key reforms to future-proof the NHS all year round.”

People needing help in another language can ask for an interpreter by calling 111, British Sign Language (BSL) users can call 111 using the NHS 111 BSL interpreting service by visiting 111.nhs.uk and message relay users can call 18001 111.