Patients needing urgent medical care in Shropshire asked to contact NHS 111 first
Patients needing urgent medical care in Shropshire are being urged to contact NHS 111 first, online or by phone.
Health bosses have warned that Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford are both dealing with high numbers of patients.
Health advisors can help find the best place for treatment and give a time to come in if a face-to-face assessment is needed.
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The service, staffed by trained health advisers, will book the caller a time slot for the most appropriate service, such as the urgent treatment centres, minor injuries units or A&E if necessary.
Health chiefs say that by calling NHS 111 first, it will help the NHS manage the flow of patients when capacity in waiting rooms is much smaller than before.
If the situation is serious or life-threatening, people should call 999 immediately.
The service is available online at 111.nhs.uk
