Top NHS doctor warns ‘stay away from A&E’ this winter

A top NHS doctor is urging people to stay away from A&E this winter and instead seek help from 111 services.

Winter is typically the busiest time of the year for A&E departments, but according to NHS England around two-fifths of A&E attendances could be better treated elsewhere.

New NHS figures show that nearly one in six (16.3% or 124,038) 999 calls last month were completed with clinical advice over the phone - an increase of more than 150 % before the pandemic.

The 111 service is available to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can direct people to the most appropriate local service they need, whether this be an urgent treatment centre, GP practice, or consultation with a pharmacist.

The service can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic, or provide self-treatment advice over the phone.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said people should only use 999 or A&E services in the event of life-threatening emergencies or serious injuries.

In all other cases they should “get to the help they need” by calling 111 and using 111 online, or via the NHS app.

He said: "As we approach the busiest time of year for A&Es, we want to make sure that all patients are getting the safest possible care which is why we are launching our campaign encouraging everyone to ‘get to the help they need’ by using NHS 111 online or telephone services this winter.

“We know that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances could be better treated elsewhere, as well as one in six calls to 999 just needing advice over the phone, so I really want to encourage everyone to use our free, around the clock 111 service that can give millions of people this winter fast, safe and easy access to the advice or treatment they need.

“Our plans for winter include easier access to urgent treatment centres and community care, and so whether 111 gives you over the phone clinical advice, directs you to a pharmacist, GP team or community provider, or arranges a call with a nurse or paramedic, by using it you can help us ensure everyone is getting the care they need. And as ever, it is vital that the public use 999 and A&E in life threatening situations.”

The call to restrict A&E and 999 services to emergencies only comes amid growing pressure on other NHS services heading into this winter, including a record few months of A&E and ambulance demand, NHS England said.

Health minister Karin Smyth added: “We’ve 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 attend A&E for emergency care.

“With 85% of calls answered in under a minute, NHS 111 provides rapid access to expert advice on a range of health concerns. By using NHS 111 first, people will be quickly directed to the most appropriate care, whether that’s an urgent treatment centre, pharmacy, or emergency services.”