Top NHS doctor urges Brits to avoid winter health mistake and end up stranded in A&E

Millions of Brits will seek emergency medical attention this winter, an experience that often ends with a long wait in an NHS A&E unit. But one of the leading doctors in the UK has said a shocking number of us are turning up at A&E when we could skip the queue entirely with a simple phone call.

The NHS' top A&E doctor has issued a call to the public advising them to make use of the 111 services this winter, amidst estimations that up to two-fifths of A&E visits may be unnecessary or could receive treatment more suitably elsewhere.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, is advising that 999 calls and A&E should only be used for severe emergencies and serious injuries, urging people to "get to the help they need" by dialling 111, using the 111 online service, or through the NHS App. According to NHS England, it's believed that a significant number of A&E attendances could be managed more effectively in alternative healthcare settings.

READ MORE: One habit will cause 300,000 cancer deaths in UK by 2029

In October alone, nearly one in six (16.3% or 124,038) calls to 999 ended with the provision of clinical advice over the phone, which marks an increase of over 150 per cent since before the pandemic (6.3% in October 2019). This uptick comes as the NHS has been enlisting more experienced clinicians within their call centres.

The NHS 111 service, accessible 24/7, has been designed not only to offer assessment and direction to the most suitable local service—be it urgent treatment centres, GP practices, or discussions with a pharmacist—but also to arrange callbacks from nurses, doctors, or paramedics if necessary, or offer self-care advice during the call.

As the NHS braces for a winter with unprecedented levels of demand following record-breaking months for A&E and ambulance services, NHS England has highlighted the increased pressure on the health system.

Professor Redhead 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."