With the NHS reporting that it's facing a 'worst case scenario' December, amid a surge in flu cases, the health service is urging anyone who is unwell to 'choose the right service' to 'get the best treatment as quickly as possible.' By choosing the appropriate NHS service, patients can be seen more quickly, and help to free up A&E for those who need it the most.

Urging the public to consider their options, the NHS, NHS London, and London Ambulance Service shared a video on Instagram explaining who patients should contact if they need medical assistance. In a post shared on the platform, an NHS worker said: "Unwell or injured? There are different NHS services ready to help."

They continued: "It's just about choosing the right one. If it's a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999. That's what we're here for. If you need urgent help, but it's not life-threatening, or you're just not sure, go to NHS 111 online, use the NHS app or call 111.

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"For minor illnesses, your local Community Pharmacist can provide advice, treatments, and even prescription medicines for some conditions. By choosing the right service, you'll get the help you need quicker, and we can be where we're needed most."

The health service reiterated the message in the video's caption, writing: "Need help from the NHS? Make sure you choose the right service for you, so you get the best treatment as quickly as possible. Choosing the right service helps reduce pressures on A&E, freeing them up to help those who need it most."

The NHS has previously reported that people are 'putting extra strain on busy emergency departments by attending with minor illnesses that could be treated more quickly elsewhere.' In another Instagram video, Dr Jess Sokolov, the Regional Medical Director for the Midlands, also shared an update about NHS services this winter, explaining that emergency departments are currently under strain due to the uptick in flu cases.

Dr Sokolov said: "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. We're seeing much higher levels of flu than we would normally expect at this time of year.

"That means things will be challenging over the next few weeks for our staff, and I'm grateful to the efforts that they always make and will continue to make to keep patients safe. It doesn't mean that you can't access care. You can, and you should when you need it.

"Please keep your planned appointments. Please, if you need urgent care, use 111 as your first port of call. If it's a life or limb-threatening emergency, then use 999 as you normally would.

"But please also let's help together to reduce the transmission of flu across the country. So let's take those simple measures like hand-washing, and make sure that if you are eligible for a flu vaccination that you take up that offer as soon as possible."