PEOPLE with minor health problems are increasingly burdening emergency services, new figures have revealed.

The number of non-emergency calls for an ambulance has rocketed in the past five years, according to figures released by the East of England Ambulance Service.

In June 2003, ambulance crews in the east of England responded to 35,145 emergency calls, but by last month that had risen to 46,090 - up more than 30 per cent.

Neil Storey, chief locality officer for the service, said that while the number of people with serious problems had increased, the more significant rise was in people with more minor problems.

He said: "We are seeing more and more people calling 999 who could get more appropriate treatment elsewhere in the NHS.

"Were there really 10,000 more people in need of an emergency ambulance last month than the June of five years ago? We don't, for one moment, want to put off people with genuine emergencies from calling us, but with calls seemingly on a never-ending upward curve, we need people to think about whether they really need an ambulance before making the call.

"This is particularly relevant over the summer, when the number of calls peak during the type of hot weather forecast for this weekend.

"Our crews and responders are striving to meet the most challenging ambulance response times in the world, and we need the public on our side to help us reach those most in need of our help as quickly as possible.

Mr Storey added: "Last month almost half of our patients did not need to be taken to hospital, indicating there is plenty of scope for people to use other parts of the NHS for more minor problems."

When to dial 999 for help

There are a number of options available if patients cannot treat themselves.

l Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or the local GP out-of-hours service (usually via your local GP surgery number). Both of these telephone-based services will divert patients to 999 if an ambulance is required.

l NHS walk-in centres, pharmacies and local minor injuries units can also help.

l People should not hesitate to ring 999 or visit A&E immediately for any of the following problems:

  • suspected heart attack
  • chest pains
  • unconsciousness
  • heavy blood loss
  • difficulty breathing
  • suspected broken bones
  • deep wounds or head injuries