Health experts from NHS England in Durham, Darlington and Tees are asking local people to choose the most appropriate service if they, or their family, need medical assistance.
There are a number of NHS services people can use if they are ill or become injured. By choosing the service that best meets their needs, patients can get the advice or treatment they need quickly.
GP surgeries, pharmacies, NHS walk-in centres and NHS 111 can all give a wide range of professional advice and help.
Dr Mike Guy, medical director for the Durham, Darlington and Tees area team of NHS England, said:
“Accident and emergency departments seem to be the default place for a lot of people when they need medical help, however, in most cases there are lots of other ways to access the NHS.
“If people are unsure which service they need, by simply phoning 111 they will be directed to the most appropriate place. Local pharmacies can give advice on common illnesses and provide guidance on the most appropriate way to treat them. For persistent illnesses, people should make an appointment to see their GP. By using NHS services properly, A&E departments can be free for those in need of urgent, life saving care.
“By getting to the most appropriate place, when they first become aware of their symptoms, patients will give themselves the best chance of making a full recovery.”
NHS England has recently launched ‘The earlier, the better’ public awareness campaign, which is designed to encourage people to nip health problems in the bud and avoid any unnecessary stays in hospital. The campaign is particularly targeting people aged over 60 years old and the friends and family of older people, encouraging them to visit their pharmacist for free and professional health advice.
As well as making sure people get to the most appropriate NHS service, NHS England is asking people to pledge to take time out this winter to look in on an elderly friend or neighbour to make sure they are warm, coping well and have everything they need to get through the winter.  More information is available on the NHS Choices website.