As the festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS, it’s important to remind patients that they should only go to A&E if they have a serious, life-threatening health problem which needs emergency treatment. We have been urging patients to use the GP hubs, pharmacies and the walk-in services during the festive period. Please help us to remind patients to choose the right service to keep A&E free for those who need it most.
Information about GP opening hours over Christmas
Please also support us to:
1. Limit referrals to acute services
During the Christmas period please ensure you are only referring patients who really need it to hospital services as they may be busier than usual.
2. Encourage patients to use the right health services
As ever we are asking the public to visit their GP, pharmacist, call NHS 111 or use NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) if they feel unwell to help us keep hospital A&Es available for those people who really do need emergency or lifesaving care. If possible please update your practice’s telephone message system to encourage patients to use NHS111 or the practice rather than visiting A&E.