Plea to use 999 and A&E responsibly

The NHS is urging people to only attend A&E for emergency or life-threatening health conditions over the festive period. The call comes at a time when NHS services in the region are even more stretched. Staff work extremely hard, around the clock, to provide health care and it is important that those who need emergency care can access it. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is also reporting an increase in demand as winter pressures take hold. Last weekend, NEAS call handlers took an additional ...