PEOPLE are being urged to use the NHS wisely.

Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group and other CCGs in the district are backing a campaign encouraging the public to consider ways of easing the strain on health services.

Advice includes using a pharmacist or the NHS Choices website – nhs.uk – rather than a GP or A&E, when suffering from common, short-term illnesses.

Dr Taz Aldawoud, a clinical board member and lead for self-care and prevention with the NHS Bradford Districts CCG, said: "It's still surprising how many people we see coming to their GP practice for minor ailments when most can be managed at home, using support from the NHS Choices website and pharmacies.

"Pharmacists are a great first port of call if you're unsure if you need to see a GP, as they are highly-trained professionals who are experts in medicines and minor illnesses.

"Many people don't realise that they can drop into their pharmacy without an appointment and they are generally open longer hours than GP practices."

As part of the campaign, people are also being asked to cancel appointments if they no longer need them or are unable to attend.

One in ten appointments in the area are not kept by patients, which across the NHS costs over £300 million a year.

"If these appointments were cancelled in advance they could be offered to people who need them the most and help reduce waste," said Dr Aldawoud.

The campaign is part of the It’s Your NHS, Don’t Waste It programme, launched last September.

For more details, visit airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk.