KNOWLEDGE of how to appropriately access medical treatment within our NHS trust area is something that many people find confusing, especially so when, in their eyes, they are confronted by a serious medical situation.

Some people are confused about which telephone number they should ring (be it 999 or 111).

Worry not, if you do get it wrong, experienced operators will assess your medical situation and channel you towards the most appropriate pathway to treatment. It is 999 for emergency and 111 for other non-life threatening medical problems.

In the Sixties, accident and emergency was known as casualty and now increasingly so, to avoid confusion, it will be known as the emergency department. In immediately or potentially life-threatening situations you should ring 999.

For instance, when a person is badly injured or showing signs of critical illness, such as poisoning or a heart attack. Other conditions suitable for 999 would include those such as severe blood loss, chest pains, shortness of breath, choking and blacking out, or other situations where speed is of the essence.

Within the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust area, there are two accident and emergency centres at Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham. They are staffed on a 24-hour basis, with a mix of different doctors, nurses, consultants and other senior staff also on call, even overnight.

We are currently collating statistics to see if the closure of one department, in Hartlepool, has meant an increase in pressure on services within our Trust area.

There are also six urgent care centres set up to take the pressure off accident and emergency departments, but not to replace them. They are at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, Dr Piper House, King Street, Darlington, Shotley Bridge Community Hospital, Peterlee Community Hospital, Seaham Medical Centre and the University Hospital of North Durham, Durham City.

They are open 24 hours and are manned by a doctor (usually a GP) as well as senior nursing and paramedic staff. Several have x-ray provision, though this usually closes during the late evening. If you turn up at an urgent care centre without an appointment you will not be turned away.

Be assured, whether you phone 111 or 999, you will receive the appropriate advice and help.

Derek George Atkinson, Governing council member, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.