Health bosses are urging Bedfordians to think twice before calling 999 to take pressure off local A&E departments and the ambulance service.
If you have an injury or illness that isn’t an emergency, Bedfordshire and Luton Clinical Commissioning Groups are asking people to call NHS 111 rather than 999.
The service is free to call, with trained professionals available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The 111 service allows pressure to be taken off local A&E departments and the ambulance service so they are able to focus on emergency cases.
Following an initial assessment, trained NHS 111 staff can offer advice, arrange for you to speak to a qualified healthcare professional, or even book for you a face-to-face appointment.
Anne Murray, Chief Nurse for Bedfordshire and Luton Clinical Commissioning Groups, said,” NHS 111 is the non-emergency line, which gives you access to trained clinicians who can offer medical advice over the phone and direct you to the appropriate service for further care if necessary.
“This service can be really useful, especially if you’re not sure where best to go for help.”
More information on NHS 111 and how to access it, can be found here.
