By Stephanie Lawton

Chief operating officer

AS we begin a new year, in line with hospitals across the country, we are experiencing an extremely high demand for our services.

We have seen a significant increase in attendances to our emergency department (ED), in the national context – and we are calling on our community to support us by ensuring that they only attend ED if their condition is serious or life-threatening.

Our ED team are committed to delivering high quality care for our patients, with the right care in the right place, at the right time. You can help to support your local hospital by ensuring that you access the appropriate service for your needs.

Please contact NHS111 for advice if you have an urgent medical problem and are unsure what to do.

NHS111 can give you guidance on the right service to treat your illness or injury. Most minor injuries and illnesses can be treated with the right self-care, contacting your GP, or visiting your pharmacy team.

You can also support the NHS this winter by receiving your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, if you are eligible.

Please think why ED, or why not ED, before you come to our emergency department.

You can access more information about NHS 111, COVID and flu vaccinations at www.nhs.uk.