Health chiefs are preparing to launch a public awareness campaign encouraging people to reduce A&E usage in a bid to protect the NHS from collapse this winter, according to reports.
In a letter to staff, NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said winter planning has begun earlier than usual as the “pressure on the NHS is likely to be substantial, particularly in urgent and emergency care”.
Information attached to the letter asks hospitals to “implement your winter communications strategy to support the public to minimise pressures on urgent and emergency services”.
