Navigate options for care from 111 to 999

PEOPLE ‘HAVE CHOICES’ WHILE NHS SERVICES ARE STRETCHED

MANAGERS have issued advice on how people can navigate NHS services when they are at their most stretched.

The area’s clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which are responsible for primary care, said there are several ways to get support, but “we are here to help you”.

The CCGs issued a series of tweets, using examples such as finding a lump, having pains that will not go away, or having symptoms for serious medical emergencies such as strokes or heart attacks.

They said: “It’s a busy time for the NHS, but we are here to help you, and there are a number of ways you can get help, so it’s important to know when to contact your GP, when to use 111 and when to call 999.

“If you have ongoing symptoms that are worrying you – for example, a lump, unexplained pain that won’t go away, or blood in your stool – make sure you contact your GP.

“The NHS is still here to see you, safely.

“NHS 111 online service offers patients quick advice on the best option for them to get the care they need, including how to get expert advice.

“For life-threatening emergencies – like if you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke – call 999 for an ambulance. “NHS staff are working round the clock to continue to provide care for people who need it, and we need people to continue to seek care, so help us help you by following this advice.”

It’s important to know when to contact your GP, when to use 111 and when to call 999 clinical commissioning groups