HEALTH chiefs are spreading the message that patients should seek out an alternative to using the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments of hospitals - by coming up with a toetapping rap jingle.

The innovative idea is the brainchild of NHS staff across Cheshire and Merseyside, and it aims to raise awareness of alternative treatments that are available in the build up to the festive season.

The first rap song ever to feature the words 'NHS Direct,' 'Pharmacist' and 'Walk-in Centre' was written by music students Michael Graeme Bruce, 20, and Gene McGuiness, 19, of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

A number of surveys have shown that in certain areas of North Merseyside and Cheshire the public is overusing A&E departments, particularly on Mondays, despite more suitable services on offer.

This has led to unnecessary pressure on acute hospital services and longer waiting lists for patients who should be able to access treatment more easily.

Members of Halton's Primary Care Trust have thrown their weight behind the campaign which spotlights self-care, pharmacies, NHS Direct, GP surgeries, NHS walk-in centres, treatment centres and minor injury units as important alternative services.

Over the past few weeks, the song Check It Out has been blasting the airwaves to encourage people not to dial 999 unless it is an emergency, and Ann Marr, the chairwoman of the Emergency Services Action Team believes the message is universal.

She said: 'If a rap song can help to make this important campaign more memorable, then why not?

'It is absolutely crucial that we do whatever we can to relieve unnecessary demands on A&E departments, particularly in the busiest winter months.'

It is being argued that patients should be treated not on a 'first come, first served' basis, but in terms of their medical need.

Ann added: 'For many people, A&E is not always the right choice.

'This awareness-raising campaign aims to ensure patients and the general public make the right choices, enabling them to receive the right treatment at the right time and in the right place.'

The campaign is being leafleted to give details of local health services in a total of six health communities.

The information is also available on trust websites, including Halton and Warrington.

The most memorable line in the song reads: 'Dial 999 with the urgency...

'But don't be calling them if you ain't got no emergency.'

Co-author of the Check It Out song, Michael Graeme Bruce, added: 'We were given a pretty tough brief.

'This isn't the kind of thing we'd normally write about, but we've really enjoyed being part of this campaign.

'It's good to think that our song might influence people and help take the pressure off hard-working A&E staff.'