HEALTH experts are urging people to use local services like NHS 111 to ease pressure on over-stretched A&E departments over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The controversial new helpline which replaced NHS Direct in Dorset, is a free 24-hour service run by trained advisers for anyone in need of medical help that is not life- threatening.

Although it has come under intense media scrutiny, health experts claim 111 is making a difference in helping people find the right service and support.

Jane Pike, for the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group CCG, says: “We’re already seeing improvements in both call handling time and appropriate referrals and they’ll be providing extra staffing to ensure our team can cope well across the bank holiday weekend.”

Practical self-help tips such as collecting prescriptions and contacting surgeries in advance can help with healthcare planning over the weekend.

Walk-in centres and minor injury units at the region’s hospitals can also help depending on the condition. For emergencies, 999 should always be called without hesitation.

Dr Patrick Seal from the CCG responsible for commissioning the service said: “We’re aware of the pressures upon both the 111 and 999 services, some of which is due to inappropriate calls and we want to make sure local people know where to go when looking for health advice and treatment, especially out of hours.

“It means patients spend less time waiting for treatment, get the best treatment for their symptoms and frees up the emergency department (A&E) to treat those with the most serious illnesses or injuries.”

Dr Seal adds: “Our message to the public is clear – don’t be afraid to call and be aware of the ways you can get advice quickly.”

Details on opening times of local health services including hospitals, GP surgeries and dentists can be found online via NHS Choices at nhs.uk. Further information can be found on the NHS Dorset CCG website dorsetccg.nhs.uk