The NHS is still facing huge pressure at A&Es and in the ambulance service, health bosses have warned.
Dr Neil O'Brien - executive medical director for the NHS's North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board - highlighted that, rising flu and Covid-19 admissions were playing a role in "extreme pressures" across the health service. He said that flu was now causing a "worrying number" of patients to be taken to hospital.
The NHS in our region is continuing to advise patients to only call 999 or visit A&E if there is a "threat to life or limb". Though keen not to discourage those who do need emergency help from coming forward, the health service is telling those suffering from "an everyday illness or injury" to use other services such as pharmacists and the NHS website for advice.
