THE chief executive of NHS Wales has urged the public to choose well this winter as he spoke about the plans in place 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 more appropriate sources, like calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, attending a minor injuries unit or their local pharmacy.

Dr Goodall confirmed that health boards, local authorities and the ambulance service have implemented joint plans for dealing with winter pressures.