Advice issued for winter period as demand increases
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have offered advice to residents about how they can help reduce the increasing pressure on services across the region as they prepare for the festive period, as well as the expected rise in both seasonal illnesses and hospitalisations.
It comes after an increase in GP calls and emergency admissions over recent weeks with local services putting in steps to deal with the extra demand. This includes additional appointments and a focus on caring for patients to get well enough before safely discharging them.
But with demand set to increase further beyond the festive period due to multiple factors such as the weather and increased socialising; the trust have issued six steps that residents can do to help each other during the cold winter months and ensure that help is available for all.
People are firstly encouraged to take up the offer of a free flu, Covid-19, and RSV vaccinations if they have received a notification by text or through the NHS application. Anybody can check if they meet the criteria by clicking on this online information page written by healthcare professionals.
Staying warm is also key to health over winter as it can help prevent people from catching colds, flus and the potential for developing serious problems. This includes wearing layers of clothing and using heating facilities if possible; the trust further releasing a list of warm spaces such as churches, cafes and libraries here.
There are also benefits to staying active during the winter months such as uplifting moods, keeping fit, improving immune systems and seasonal illnesses. This can be done in many ways such as walking and living room exercises; whilst more information on Steady and Strong classes for older adults can be explored online here.
Residents are asked to plan ahead in regard to medications by stocking up on over-the-counter tablets such as painkillers or cold capsules; particularly given that shops may run out when demand is high. They are further asked to ensure repeat prescriptions are correct, ordered and collected on time before weekends / bank holidays; where most chemists will be closed.
The fifth step is about knowing who to contact in an emergency or if anybody needs help; which can reduce confusion and the wrong type of early treatment. People are asked to use NHS 111 for advice on the appropriate service with many options available including pharmacies and treatment centre; although they are asked to call 999 in a genuine emergency.
Looking after other people is also said to be key including vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours; but in particular those who are pregnant or have serious health conditions. This can be done by simply checking in with each other and keeping open communication, whilst there is further information about those returning from hospital on the Portsmouth Hospitals University website.
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “Winter is always a challenging time for all our health and care services, and this year is no different. The NHS will always be there for you when you need us, but there are some easy, essential things that everyone can do to help themselves, and the frontline teams who are working so hard. Knowing which service to access will help you get the right care, first time so if you’re not sure where to go for help use 111 online, Healthier Together or visit your local pharmacy.
Dr Matt Nisbet, Hampshire GP and clinical lead for vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “As we prepare to enter the colder months, we know respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 become more common. Symptoms can range from feeling quite unpleasant for some people, right up to hospitalisation for others. Vaccinations against these illnesses provide vital protection for yourself and your loved ones, helping to prevent serious illnesses and reduce hospital admissions during the busy winter months.”
More information on common infections and symptoms of a serious illness can be found via the NHS website, whilst parents and young people can also find a wealth of winter health advice on many common conditions on the Healthier Together website or by downloading the app.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Advice has been given to help reduce demands on local medical services.
