Emergency departments are being clogged up by people with hiccups, ingrown toenails and sore throats, NHS data shows. More than 200,000 people attended A&E last year with conditions that could have been treated elsewhere. This included 8,669 attendances for itchy skin and almost 97,000 for a sore throat.

Some 3,890 people visited A&E with ingrown nails, 6,382 with nasal congestion and 384 with hiccups. Health chiefs are urging Brits to seek help from pharmacies, GPs and urgent treatment centres where appropriate as it braces for the impact of a five-day doctors' strike before Christmas.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national director of urgent and emergency care, said: "The last place a patient wants to be when they have a minor illness is in a busy A&E - so this winter NHS staff are working hard to expand the number of routes into the NHS so patients can get fast and convenient care closer to them.

"Whether the services are online, over the phone or in-person, a variety of doorways to care are open across the NHS.

"The current flu wave and strikes will increase the chances of hospitals getting much busier this winter and it's more important than ever that patients are getting the care they need in the most appropriate place."

Prof Redhead urged people to come forward if worried about their health. He added: "As always, use A&E & 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries.

"For non-life-threatening care, call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place - whether that be your local pharmacy, a walk-in centre, or clinical self-help advice.

"By ensuring everyone is using the right service for them, more people will be seen faster in the most appropriate place and life-saving A&E services will be kept for those patients who need them most."

The NHS has released a short film titled "24 Hours Not in A&E" for the campaign.

GP Dr Ellie Cannon, who appears in the video, said: "Every winter, NHS services face a surge in demand, and this year is no different. Knowing where to get the care you need can make all the difference.

"For example, it's common for people to default to the 8am scramble for a GP appointment, or go to A&E, as it's what feels most familiar.

"But there are many far more convenient and quicker ways to handle your health concern while you get on with your day."