Overview
- NHS England unveiled a campaign featuring the short film “24 Hours Not In A&E” and expanded access via Pharmacy First, NHS 111, urgent treatment centres and the NHS App to steer minor illnesses away from emergency departments.
- New NHS data show more than 200,000 A&E attendances last winter were for conditions suitable for primary care, including 96,998 sore throats, 83,705 earaches, 6,382 blocked noses, 8,669 cases of itchy skin, 3,890 ingrowing nails and 384 hiccups.
- Hospitals reported real‑time strain from an early flu wave, with 26 ambulances queuing outside Royal Stoke A&E and Greater Manchester trusts warning of exceptionally high demand, while London recorded sharp rises in 12‑hour waits and ambulance calls.
- Analysis of NHS figures shows 452,595 12‑hour trolley waits from January to October 2025, and Royal College of Nursing analysis found over 320,000 people left A&E without treatment between July and September.
- Health leaders warn a five‑day junior doctors’ strike from 17–22 December will intensify winter pressures, as the Department of Health and Social Care points to a £450 million urgent and emergency care plan and more ambulances.