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Written question asked by Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 20 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 October 2025 (named day). It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Emergency Services: Misuse

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help promote public education on the misuse of emergency service protocols, including advice shared on social media on how to manipulate emergency triage systems.

Answer

The National Health Service regularly shares information online through the NHS.UK website and on social media about how to access emergency services properly, including accident emergency, 999, 111, general practices (GPs), and pharmacies. The NHS also shares this information through out of home advertising via leaflets and posters in hospitals, GPs, and pharmacies.

The Government is also overhauling the NHS App to make it easier than ever before for patients to take control of their personal healthcare, including the use of NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
83602
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Health education Emergency services Publicity Misuse
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk