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People in the Midlands urged to use NHS 111 online this Easter for urgent care

People in the Midlands are being encouraged to visit NHS 111 online this Easter if they have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need.

COVID-19 cases in the community and hospital admissions continue to rise in the region and NHS services are expected to be especially busy during the Easter holiday period.

In the last 7 days, 2,823 patients have been admitted with COVID-19 in the Midlands and 3,164 patients are currently in hospital with COVID-19 in the region.

The NHS is urging people to come forward for care if they need it through NHS 111 online. If needed, a healthcare professional will call to ensure that people get the care that they need.

The service can also direct patients to urgent treatment centres/walk in centres, GPs, pharmacies, emergency dental services or other more appropriate local services.

NHS 111 online can also tell people where to get help for their symptoms, how to find general health information and advice, where to get emergency supplies of your prescribed medicines and how to get a repeat prescription.

People can access NHS 111 online by visiting the 111 website, but anyone who has a life-threatening illness or injury should always dial 999.

People use the online 111 service for a range of reasons, including to check their symptoms and if an injury or illness requires further investigation, to get information on mental health support services available, or to seek advice on how to take a medication.

Dr Nigel Sturrock, Regional Medical Director at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said:

“The NHS is absolutely there for those who need it over the long Easter weekend – using NHS 111 online first will ensure everyone who needs medical advice can access it quickly and conveniently, alongside other services, while allowing us to care for the most seriously ill and injured patients in our A&Es.

“So, if you need care please come forward through 111 online first – 111 will put you in touch with a healthcare professional if needed and help you get the treatment you need and if it’s an emergency call 999 or go to A&E.

“Vaccination continues to be the best form of protection against coronavirus  – across the Midlands there is an ‘evergreen’ offer for COVID-19 vaccinations meaning anyone who has not yet been vaccinated is able to come forward at any time to start their vaccinations.”