HEALTH chiefs have urged people in Fenland not to dial 999 at the first sign of feeling unwell.

Christine Macleod, Medical Director at NHS Cambridgeshire said: “It’s important that, when you have a minor accident or feel unwell, you don’t automatically pick up the ‘phone and dial 999 or head off to A&E.

“Start off by being prepared, this means having a well-stocked medicine cabinet with paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, indigestion remedy and sticking plasters - having these items immediately on hand means that people are able to treat many minor illnesses at home. “

She said if a person’s condition is more serious but not life-threatening, the first course of action should always be to call your GP surgery.

“If the surgery is closed, you will either get put straight through to the out-of-hours service or asked to call the service directly on 0330 123 9131,” she said.

But she also said people should be aware of the minor injuries units (MIU) located in Wisbech (open from 8.30am-6pm), Ely (open from 8.30am - 6pm) and Doddington (open 8.30am - 6pm, Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday).