The NHS is encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online to get urgent medical advice quickly ahead of what England’s top doctor says will be a ‘winter like no other’.

The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign will use TV adverts, social media posts and billboards to promote the online service, which provides advice and support to patients with an urgent but not life-threatening medical issues.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, has said that patients should continue to come forward for care and are still being encouraged to speak to a Pharmacist, GP or call 111 if they need urgent advice. NHS 111 online can direct patients to urgent treatment centres and walk in clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies and emergency dental services and, if needed, a call from a healthcare professional.

Data from September showed that the NHS was already experiencing record demand for emergency services, with ambulances responding to 76,000 life-threatening incidents and call handlers taking more than one million 999 calls.

Powis said: “As we approach an extremely tough winter, using NHS 111 online first will ensure everyone who needs medical advice can access it quickly and conveniently, alongside other services, while allowing us to care for the most seriously ill and injured patients in our A&Es.

“So if you need urgent care but it’s not life-threatening, visit 111 online first – we’ll put you in touch with a healthcare professional if needed and help you get the treatment you need – and please continue to come forward for care, including through 111, your pharmacist or GP if you prefer. And it remains as important as ever to get your life-saving Covid jab, and with winter approaching, it is important to get your flu jab too if you are eligible.”