"Please only use 999 and accident and emergency departments for life-threatening injuries and illnesses."
That's the message from the region's NHS as services continue to face high demand over the festive break. The health service issued the urgent plea on Wednesday and advised the public to think of alternative services such as local pharmacies, GPs, NHS111 online, if their condition is not life threatening.
Dr Neil O'Brien, executive medical director for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: "We would like to thank our communities for all their help so far this winter and ask that you continue to lend your support to us at this challenging time.
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"Your actions really do make a difference and by choosing the right service for your needs it helps us to prioritise care for those people who are most poorly.
"Please only use 999 and accident and emergency departments for life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Patients who attend accident and emergency departments with non-emergency conditions are likely to face a long wait for treatment.
"If you need medical help but it's not an emergency, please think about other services such as your local pharmacy, GP or NHS 111 online."
The NHS is also urging anyone eligible, who has not yet come forward for their free flu or Covid-19 vaccinations, to get protected now following a rise in the number of people requiring hospital care with the influenza virus and Covid-19.
Dr O'Brien added: "If you've not come forward for your Covid-19 booster or flu vaccination yet, and you are eligible, please do so now – there is still time! Vaccines really are the best protection against these viruses which are circulating within our communities.
"By getting vaccinated you not only protect yourself but those closest to you from becoming seriously ill and possibly requiring hospital care."
If you need advice for an everyday illness or injury, contact your local pharmacy for help or look at the self-care advice that’s available online from the NHS at www.nhs.uk.
You can also check your symptoms, using the online symptom checker available at www.111.nhs.uk, which will re-direct you to a health professional if you need to be seen by someone. If your symptoms persist and you are not getting better, contact your GP practice for advice.
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