HEALTH groups in Warwickshire are directing people towards accessing healthcare advice through NHS 111, rather than putting additional strain on A&E departments.

Two weeks ago hospitals in Gloucester and Cheltenham were the first to announce a "major incident" where an unprecedented demand in emergency admissions saw the hospitals running out of beds and calling for extra resources.

Warwick hospital avoided declaring a major incident but took pre-emptive steps to avoid it by off-loading some patients to community hospitals.

Clinical Commissioning Groups in Coventry and Warwickshire are highlighting the telephone health service available across the area to help people access the right health services first time.

Dr David Spraggett of NHS South Warwickshire CCG, said: “We ask the public to think before they go to A&E or call 999. These services need to be free to deal with real emergencies and should only be used in genuine emergency situations.

“Telephone services such as NHS111 are designed to offer answers, reassurance, advice and support you need as well as being convenient and open around the clock.”

NHS111 is a free number, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call handlers can provide health advice, put you in touch with the right service, arrange to have you seen by a doctor or call you an ambulance. The service is manned by trained call handlers with nurses on site to offer support if needed. Callers’ symptoms are assessed and they are given the healthcare advice they need or are directed immediately to the right service.Other healthcare alternatives include going along to speak to a pharmacist, seeing your GP or visit a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre.