A&E ‘under siege from hiccups and ingrowing toenails’ – as NHS makes fresh warning to patients

NHS England has revealed that more than 200,000 people attended accident and emergency departments last year with minor health problems that could have been treated by GPs or pharmacists.

According to new figures, A&E units dealt with thousands of cases involving sore throats, blocked noses, earache, and even hiccups, placing additional pressure on an already overstretched system.

Between November 2024 and March 2025, emergency departments saw:

• 96,998 patients with sore throats

• 83,867 with earache

• 8,669 suffering from itchy skin

• 6,248 with blocked noses

• 3,890 cases of ingrown toenails

• 384 people seeking help for hiccups

NHS England warned that A&E departments are increasingly “under siege from hiccups and ingrowing toenails,” urging the public to seek more appropriate care options when dealing with non-urgent conditions.

Campaign to ease A&E pressure

The warning comes as health leaders launch a new campaign to remind the public of alternative care pathways, stressing that A&Es are “busier than ever” and should be reserved for genuine emergencies.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this message during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, saying:
“A&Es should be accident and emergency, not anything and everything.”

Rising flu cases and the potential impact of upcoming resident doctor strikes in England have deepened concerns as the NHS heads into what is expected to be one of its toughest winters yet.

Streeting criticised the planned five-day strike by BMA doctors starting 17 December, calling it “dangerously reckless” and warning that it could put patients at risk during a critical period.

He added:
“We can all do our bit this winter by making sure we only use A&E for genuine accidents and emergencies.”