HEALTH chiefs have encouraged people to know their healthcare options this winter.
The warning comes as the number of admissions to hospitals in the area continues to rise.
A rise in flu cases and the worsening of chronic conditions means demand on NHS services is heightened.
Due to this, residents have been urged at the first sign of minor ailment to self-care or get advice from their pharmacy.
Dr Kieran Murphy, medical director at NHS England Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “We're urging anyone with a non-urgent medical complaint to support us by making full use of alternative community services such as your pharmacist or by self-care at home when appropriate. This can really help reduce pressure on other parts of the NHS, for example calls to 999 or visits to A&E.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here