Region's health and emergency services leads urge the public to use health services responsibly over the festive period.

Head of emergency, preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) at North East Ambulance Service, Stu Holliday said: “When someone needs our service, we want to have the right resources available to respond. Winter is always busy for health services but particularly over the festive period and the public can help us protect the services for those who need it the most.

“We want everyone to have a good time, but don’t ruin your fun by ending up in the back of an ambulance. Look after each other and make sure you stay safe and have plans to get home.

"Please remember to use 999 and A&E for emergencies only. If it’s not an emergency, please always consult 111 online first. If you do think you need to go to hospital, consider whether you're able to make your own way there, if it safe to do so.

“We also ask that anyone waiting for an ambulance to please only call back if their condition worsens or to cancel if it is no longer required. Finally, please respect our staff and NHS colleagues, they are working hard away from their families this Christmas and New Year.”

Dr Neil O’Brien, local GP and chief medical officer for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said, “This time of year is traditionally the busiest time for our NHS and emergency services, so they will be very stretched. Our hospitals are already managing long waits to be seen and they will prioritise the most urgent cases.

"We wish everyone the very best Christmas, but we ask that you take some simple steps to make sure you do this safely.

"Avoidable incidents, often linked to drinking too much and alcohol poisoning, put a major strain on all health services, and we need to make sure that our hospitals and 999 services are kept free to look after those who really do need emergency care.

“If you are unwell then it is vital that you seek medical help if you need it but think carefully about which service you choose. Emergency departments and 999 are only there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions so please think about whether your local pharmacy or NHS 111 online can help.

"Enjoy the festivities, but please stay safe and remember to limit your drinking – as you don’t want to spend your Christmas in A&E."

Susan Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy for Balance, said: “We know that nearly one million people in England are admitted to hospital with illnesses and problems linked to alcohol every year, and deaths from alcohol are rising. The North East, in particular, is facing some of the highest rates of harm, and along with alcohol-related disorder and violence, this creates extra pressure on already stretched emergency crews on our streets and in our hospitals.

“Liver disease has been soaring over recent years, with young women increasingly affected. Regular drinking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and increases our risk of seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel cancer. For many people alcohol is also worsening anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. 

She added: “8/10 people in the North East see alcohol as a problem both regionally and nationally. While some will blame individuals drinking too much, we need to remember that alcohol can be an addiction which many people struggle with, and people are surrounded by pressures to buy alcohol and to drink, especially at Christmas. The impact on our own health and the region is taking its toll.”

For everyday illnesses and injuries, people can use the online symptom checker at www.111.nhs.uk. This will redirect to a health professional if people need to be seen by someone. Also, self-care advice is available online from the NHS at www.nhs.uk.

This time of year, NHS are seeing a high demand in common illnesses such as norovirus, flu and other respiratory viral infections so the NHS urges those to get their vaccinations, utilise good hand hygiene, keep warm and stock up on medicines and repeat prescriptions before bank holidays.

Local GP services and pharmacies, although generally closed on the Christmas bank holidays, will be open as normal throughout the festive period, although they are likely to be very busy.

Anyone needing urgent mental health support should ring 111 press 2 or seek it via their local Crisis Team. People can put their postcode in here to find their local Crisis line.

People check local pharmacy services and opening times in the North East and North Cumbria here.