THE North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is expecting a busy Bank Holiday and is encouraging people to use NHS 111 online.

NWAS which manages the NHS 111 service in the North West, is expecting an very busy period over the August Bank Holiday weekend after the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend was the busiest of the year for the NHS 111 service in the North West.

Jackie Bell, Head of Service at North West Ambulance Service, recommends the public use NHS 111 online to get quick health advice: “The online service works the same as over the phone and is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need. These can include getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice.

“We expect it to be another extremely busy time for our 111 health advisors and clinicians. Over the Jubilee weekend, we received over 42,000 calls. It was the four busiest days we’ve had this year, and this weekend is likely to be the same.

“We are prepared for this, but callers may wait longer to get through on the phone at the busiest times. For this reason, we’d recommend using NHS 111 online if you can. You answer the same questions and receive the same advice, but it’s likely to be quicker.”

NHS 111 online is not suitable for under 5s.

Local GP and Medical Director for St Helens Cares, the NHS and care partnership in the borough, Dr Michael Ejuoneatse, said: “The NHS 111 online service is a convenient and quick way to access medical advice. If you aren’t sure which service you need to use, both NHS 111 online and on the phone, can help direct you to the right service quickly and it allows staff in A&E to continue to care for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“You can also visit www.sthelenscares.co.uk/lets-do-it-together/ to download a handy guide to using health and care services in St Helens.”

111.nhs.uk can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do

• how to find general health information and advice

• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine

• how to get a repeat prescription

• get emergency dental appointments

You should still ring 999 if you experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest

• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side

• difficulty breathing

• heavy bleeding that won’t stop

• seizures

• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue