THE chief of NHS Wales has today urged the public to choose well this winter as part of a programme to ease pressures on the NHS.

Dr Andrew Goodall has asked people not to dial 999 or visit an A&E department at the first sign of injury or illness, and instead consider using more appropriate sources of care, such as calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47, attending a minor injuries unit or their local pharmacy.

Speaking ahead of the Christmas holiday, Dr Goodall confirmed that health boards, local authorities and the ambulance service have brought in joint plans for dealing with winter pressures.

During winter 2012-13, the NHS in Wales, like elsewhere in the UK, experienced significant emergency pressures. But the increased focus placed on winter planning last year helped the NHS manage these pressures better than in previous winters. This year, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford and Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething held meetings with representatives of every health board and council in Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service to ensure the NHS and social services are fully prepared to deal with the pressures expected in the winter season.

The revised plans include aiming to reduce hospital admissions through improved uptake of flu vaccinations, working better with GP out-of-hours services, more use of minor injury units and paramedics.

Dr Goodall said: “We have been planning for the winter for some time. All NHS organisations have arrangements in place to help maintain services in the event of severe weather.

“Last year, for the first time, joint winter plans were developed. There was clear evidence of stronger joint working between health boards, local authorities and the Welsh Ambulance Service, and I am pleased to say this approach to winter planning proved successful.

“Performance improved in the majority of key indicators during last winter when compared with the previous winter. Overall NHS Wales, through effective integrated planning and the dedication of its staff, ensured continued provision of high quality services.