A NEW system which aims to reduce A&E waiting times and help minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus has been launched at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

NHS 111 First provides those in need of urgent medical care with a time slot to attend the emergency department or, if appropriate, help them access an alternative service.

People are urged to contact NHS 111 before they decide to walk into A&E.

However, those with life-threatening conditions or who need emergency attention should still call 999.

David Coyle, chief operating officer at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said: "NHS 111 First is about giving patients faster and easier access to the care they need.

“If it is decided, following assessment by a trained clinician, that going to A&E is the right thing to do then an appointment slot can be provided. This will help us to better maintain your safety by ensuring social distancing in our A&E waiting area, while also speeding up triaging and the initial assessment processes.

“Everyone who attends A&E, whether they contacted NHS 111 first or not, will be initially assessed, directed to the appropriate place and / or treated by our teams and can expect the same high-quality care as always.”

NHS 111 First is a national programme aimed at improving the way people access urgent care services by ensuring they receive the right care in the most appropriate setting first time.

In the North West approximately 60% of emergency department (A&E) attendances are currently unannounced “walk-in” patients – the majority during the day and early evening.

People will still be able to walk into any A&E department. This will not change and nobody who attends an emergency department unannounced needing urgent treatment will be turned away.

  • In addition to the free NHS 111 phone line, NHS 111 can also be contacted online via 111.nhs.uk