Forty per cent of visitors to Whipps Cross Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department this winter, could be seen by a regular GP, it has been predicted.

Each winter the hospital sees a rise in the number of people who could have been effectively treated elsewhere, according to Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group.

Now, doctors are asking people to take advantage of the NHS 111 number before visiting the Leytonstone hospital.

Dr Anwar Khan, chair of NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group and a local GP, said: “The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS and people need to remember that A&E might not be the first port of call if they are hurt or unwell.

“Using the 111 number can help you to get the treatment and advice that you need more quickly and closer to home. It also allows A&E departments to concentrate their efforts on those in need of emergency care.”

The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by fully trained advisors and experienced clinicians who can help people get the right medical care as quickly as possible.

However, many residents in Waltham Forest say it is too hard to get an appointment at their own surgery.

Walk-in centres like the Oliver Road Polyclinic are open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk