Thank you to everyone who used health services responsibly during the industrial action which followed Easter weekend.
By following advice to get prescriptions early, using the NHS111 service instead of going to A&E, or by going to pharmacies for help with minor health issues, you made a big difference and helped other patients during this challenging time.
Your careful use of services meant that A&E departments and ambulance services were able to respond to patients who really needed them. We continue to advise that A&E is for life and limb-threatening emergencies.
Thanks to the hospitals, GPs and community health services who did what they could to keep essential services running and protect patients from harm.
As we go in to May there are three Bank Holidays and further strike action planned, so the NHS continues to face significant pressures. Despite this, please do call 999 especially in life and limb-threatening emergencies.
If you need urgent medical help but it isn’t an emergency, please contact NHS111 online www.111.nhs.uk or by phone. For more routine and minor health concerns go to your pharmacy or your GP.