TIMEWASTERS in Huddersfield are being urged to think carefully before calling emergency services over Christmas and the New Year.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service says a one in four of calls it receives are inappropriate at this time of year, with anything from a lost handbag to a broken fingernail being reported.
And consultants in accident and emergency departments at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital say in many cases patients could have sought treatment from GPs, pharmacists or even the medicine cabinet.
They have stressed that A&E is for Accidents and Emergencies and not for Anything and Everything over the festive season.
Ambulance Service operations director John Darley said: "Inappropriate calls are a real problem.
"They often divert emergency resources away from patients with potentially life-threatening, time-critical conditions."
And Rob Birkinshaw, consultant in A&E said: "Our departments are very, very busy places and at this time of the year particularly, it is better for everyone if we can concentrate our resources on those people who really need us."
People are urged to stock up on repeat prescriptions and self-help products.
NHS Direct can also offer advice on self-help: call 0845 46 47 or visit NHS Direct online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
