Ambulance chiefs are urging people not to dial 999 unless it’s an emergency amid hundreds of calls for minor illnesses.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) said it has received lots of calls recently for patients with colds and flu type symptoms.

An influx of patients has caused deteriorating performance at A&Es across the country, including in Huddersfield.

Figures for the week ending December 7 show 61 patients in Huddersfield and Calderdale had to wait between four and 12 hours for admission.

The hospitals, like most in the country, missed the target of seeing 95% of patients at A&E within four hours.

Issues with inappropriate use of 999 and A&E come at the same time as reports of patients struggling to access GPs, especially at the weekend.

Dr David Macklin, interim executive director of operations at YAS, said 999 operators and paramedics had dealt with a surge of calls for non-urgent issues.

He said: “The service has received hundreds of 999 calls this week for seasonal-related illnesses and incidents and we are treating a lot of patients with breathing difficulties as a result of cold and viruses.

“As we approach a busy weekend of pre-Christmas celebrations and office parties we expect there to be a significant influx of calls to alcohol-related incidents.

“These calls are in addition to other medical emergencies such as injuries from road traffic collisions, heart attacks and strokes.

“Whilst many people do use our emergency service appropriately, some callers could be helped by other more appropriate health care services.

“We would ask people who are out and about to be conscious of how much they are drinking, eat beforehand and make sure they plan ahead for transport home.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their support during this challenging period and recognise the efforts of our staff who are working extremely hard to provide services for our patients.

“Anyone needing advice and treatment for non-emergencies should consider options such as a visit to a local pharmacist or GP surgery, a call to NHS 111 or visit an urgent care centre.

“In addition the NHS Choices website provides helpful information and advice on many common conditions, treatments and local services.”

GPs have launched Saturday appointment schemes in Huddersfield, Calderdale and North Kirklees in a bid to ease the pressure on hospitals.

But Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said he was “calling for an inquiry” after being contacted by a patient who had not been able to get a weekend GP visit and ended up going to A&E instead.

“It’s not the first time I’ve heard this,” he said.

“I’m not blaming local GPs. I think everybody knows they’re under serious pressure.

“But I have to ask how many of my constituents are being affected by this. I suspect it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”