HEALTH bosses have urged the public to make sure they choose the most appropriate service for their illness this Christmas and New Year.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has created a dedicated page on its website providing details of local walk-in centres and minor injuries units across Yorkshire and the Humber, and urged people to use this, or the NHS 111 service.

Demand for the 999 service has risen in recent days, and is expected to rise further in coming weeks, and Dr David Macklin from the Trust said people can help themselves.

He said: "Please think twice before you pick up your phone to dial 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury and needs time-critical help.

"People with minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate healthcare services for their needs such as contacting a pharmacist or GP, visiting a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111."

More information is available at pharmacies, GPs surgeries, by phoning 111 or at yas.nhs.uk