Banbury area patients are discouraged from going straight to A&E as Oxford hospital bosses launch NHS 111 First

Patients are asked to call NHS 111 before attending an A&E department unless it is a life-threatening situation

The instruction comes from Oxford University Hospitals Trust (OUH) which has launched an initiative called NHS 111 First.

Life-threatening emergencies must continue to go to A&E but for other cases, patients are encouraged to contact NHS 111 before attending emergency departments at the Horton General Hospital or the JR.

NHS 111 trained operators will listen to the patient's symptoms and determine the best course of action for him or her. They will then be assessed and if appropriate, booked into one of the A&E departments for treatment.

The move is part of plans for a new way for people to access healthcare in Oxfordshire.

"NHS 111 First plays a very important part of our planning as we move into the busier winter period and ultimately is designed to improve outcomes and patient experiences in healthcare settings during Covid-19 and the winter months," a statement from the OUH told members of the trust.

However, if it would be more appropriate for them to receive care elsewhere, they will be given advice about how to 'self-care' if required, how to contact their local pharmacy, dentist, optician or GP for help or visit a minor injuries unit.

Any patients who attend A&E departments without contacting 111 first will be triaged, assessed and prioritised based on their clinical need.

NHS 111 First launches nationally on December 1. The OUH is among several trusts in the UK that are launching early.

"We will continue to review the programme over the coming weeks to check how it is working, what we can do to continue to keep everyone in our hospitals safe, and how we can continue to provide excellent compassionate care for our patients during the busy winter months," the statement said.