Millions of Brits facing the dread of emergency medical care this winter are being warned they could often avoid a gruelling wait in a busy NHS A&E by simply making a call. In a stark revelation, one of the nation's leading NHS doctors has highlighted that many of us could bypass A&E waits with a straightforward phone call.

The NHS' top A&E authority has sounded the alarm for the public to utilise the 111 services over the colder months, suggesting a staggering two-fifths of AandE visits could be needless or more appropriately handled elsewhere.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, has put out a plea urging only those with severe emergencies and critical injuries to rely on 999 calls and A&E visits. He is strongly advising people to "get to the help they need" via dialling 111, tapping into the online 111 service, or employing the NHS App.

NHS England is raising awareness of this issue, claiming a sizeable chunk of hospital traffic might see better results in different healthcare environments.

In October alone, nearly 16.3 per cent or 124,038 of 999 calls culminated in providing clinical advice directly over the phone. This represents an overwhelming rise of more than 150 per cent since pre-pandemic levels of just 6.3 per cent in October 2019. The leap aligns with the NHS's recent move to staff their call centres with a larger contingent of skilled clinicians.

The NHS 111 service, available 24/7, is designed to provide assessment, direction to local services, such as urgent treatment centres, GP practices, or pharmacist consultations, and arrange callbacks from healthcare professionals if needed. With the NHS facing unprecedented demand this winter, following record-breaking months for AandE and ambulance services, NHS England is highlighting the increased pressure on the health system.

Professor Redhead stated: "As we approach the busiest time of year for AandEs, we want to make sure that all patients are getting the safest possible care which is why we are launching our campaign encouraging everyone to 'get to the help they need' by using NHS 111 online or telephone services this winter.

"We know that up to two-fifths of AandE attendances could be better treated elsewhere, as well as one in six calls to 999 just needing advice over the phone, so I really want to encourage everyone to use our free, around the clock 111 service that can give millions of people this winter fast, safe and easy access to the advice or treatment they need.

"Our plans for winter include easier access to urgent treatment centres and community care, and so whether 111 gives you over the phone clinical advice, directs you to a pharmacist, GP team or community provider, or arranges a call with a nurse or paramedic, by using it you can help us ensure everyone is getting the care they need.

"And as ever, it is vital that the public use 999 and AandE in life threatening situations."