Health bosses in the North East have issued a stark warning to people who are misusing emergency NHS services, putting unnecessary pressure on hospitals and putting more seriously ill patients at risk.

Health bosses in the North East have issued a stark warning to people who are misusing emergency NHS services, putting unnecessary pressure on hospitals and putting more seriously ill patients at risk.

Between 1st December and Christmas Day, over 53,000 people attended major A&E departments in hospitals across the region.

Of these fewer than 30%, just over 15,000 people, actually needed admission to hospital for emergency treatment.

Examples over the festive season from right across the north east include people attending A&E with:

Backache

Toothache

Broken finger nails

Excessive alcohol consumption

Coughs, colds and sore throats

The following statement has been issued on behalf of all NHS providers in the North East.

“Emergency departments right across the region are extremely busy and people must start taking accountability for their actions and the impact this has on the NHS. Our message is very simple, if it is not a serious or life threatening emergency then please do not waste the time of busy hospital teams or 999 services who are there to look after patients who are very sick and who do need immediate medical help. Many of the attendances the region’s hospitals are seeing are for common winter illnesses such as bad colds, viruses or stomach bugs which always circulate in the community at this time of year. These are best looked after at home with over the counter medication, plenty of fluids, rest and recuperation - they certainly do not need a trip to A&E.” David Evans, Chief Executive, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

The hospital trusts who have come together to issue this plea are:

City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

An ambulance outside Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Credit: ITV News

Emergency 999 calls have also risen by a third in the last two weeks, putting enormous pressure on the North East Ambulance Service.

"We are currently experiencing unprecedented demand and are prioritising our response to those whose life is most at risk. The public can help us reach those patients who need us most by only dialling 999 in the event of a serious emergency. Patients without a potentially life threatening condition are likely to wait longer than usual for an ambulance response.” Paul Liversidge, North East Ambulance Service

The advice issued by the NHS is that GPs should always be the first port of call for most medical problems unless it is a serious or life threatening emergency.

If in doubt, the free NHS 111 number is available for expert medical advice.