HEALTH helpline NHS Direct recorded its busiest December, receiving almost 50,000 calls.
Staff at NHS Direct in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the Wirral experienced a hectic Boxing Day when 2,200 people contacted the telephone helpline.
This was followed by more than 2,000 calls on December 27.
New Year's Day saw around 1,300 callers.
The most common reasons for callers contacting the service were abdominal pain, toddlers with fever, chest pains, coughs or headaches.
Director of NHS Direct in Greater Manchester Cheshire and the Wirral, Joanne Royle, said: "Over the Christmas period we expect to receive a lot more calls than usual as people contact us for healthcare advice and guidance rather than immediately making an appointment to see their GP or attending hospital.
"We had plans in place for several months before December and so were well prepared for the increase in calls."
The NHS Direct helpline number is 0845 46 47.
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