The National Health Service is urging the British public to make informed choices about healthcare this December, as it confronts a significant surge in seasonal flu cases described as a 'worst case scenario'.
Choosing the Right Service for Faster Care
In a concerted effort to manage extreme demand, the NHS, alongside NHS London and the London Ambulance Service, has issued clear guidance. The core message is that selecting the most appropriate service will lead to patients receiving the best treatment more quickly, while simultaneously freeing up emergency departments for the most critical cases.
The advice was highlighted in a recent Instagram video featuring an NHS worker. "Unwell or injured? There are different NHS services ready to help," they stated. "It's just about choosing the right one." The guidance outlines a clear three-tiered approach for anyone seeking medical assistance.
Guidance for Different Levels of Need
For serious or life-threatening emergencies – such as signs of a heart attack, stroke, severe difficulty breathing, or major trauma – the public must continue to call 999 immediately.
However, for urgent medical problems that are not immediately life-threatening, or if someone is simply unsure what to do, the recommended first step is to use NHS 111. This service can be accessed online at 111.nhs.uk, via the NHS App, or by calling 111. Trained advisors can direct patients to the right help, which may include an out-of-hours GP, a walk-in centre, or a minor injuries unit.
For minor illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, or minor infections, people are encouraged to visit their local community pharmacist. Pharmacists are highly qualified to offer clinical advice, recommend over-the-counter treatments, and can even supply prescription medicines for some conditions under specific schemes.
Flu Surge Creating 'Challenging' Conditions
The push for public cooperation comes as the health service grapples with higher-than-usual levels of seasonal flu. Dr Jess Sokolov, Regional Medical Director for the Midlands, explained in a separate update that this uptick is directly impacting emergency departments.
"Our emergency departments are very busy at the moment, and that's in part due to the level of flu that we're seeing around the country," Dr Sokolov said. "We're seeing much higher levels of flu than we would normally expect at this time of year."
She expressed gratitude for staff efforts but warned the coming weeks would be challenging. Dr Sokolov reiterated the plea for the public to use 111 for urgent care and to keep planned appointments. She also urged people to help curb transmission through hand hygiene and by getting the flu vaccine if eligible.
The NHS has previously noted that attendance at A&E with minor ailments places extra strain on busy emergency departments. By following the new guidance, patients can ensure they get timely care for their condition while allowing emergency teams to focus on those in most critical need.
