NHS local encourages people across the West Midlands to choose the right treatment and the best place to go.

The number of people attending Accident and Emergency Departments and calling 999 is growing each year. Hospitals and GP surgeries can get especially busy during winter, when viruses such as flu and norovirus are circulating.

Choose well aims to direct patients to the service best suited to their illness or condition. People often turn up at hospitals with minor illnesses and injuries that can often be better treated more quickly elsewhere.

A&E departments or calling 999 should be for genuine emergencies and people who are badly injured or showing symptoms of a critical illness such as chest pain although it goes without saying, if you are worried the NHS is always there to help.