With temperatures set to plummet in the coming days health leaders in the North West are urging the public to use NHS services wisely as we see pressure mounting on urgent and emergency care post-Christmas.
NHS services across the North West are under pressure, with demand for primary care, hospital services, mental health, and emergency services continuing to rise. Hospitals across the region are currently seeing high numbers of sick patients including those with existing chronic respiratory conditions which are often exacerbated by cold weather.
Cold and icy weather brings additional risks for people with long term health conditions and people who are more vulnerable. The NHS is encouraging people across the region to use NHS 111 online as the first point of contact for non-urgent medical advice during the upcoming New Year period.
Last year, more than 86,000 people contacted North West Ambulance Service because of a fall and 40% of emergency call-outs to people who had fallen were during the colder winter months.
Alternative services such as speaking to a pharmacist, attending urgent treatment centres, and self-care are available to ease pressures on emergency departments. In addition, appointments in general practice are also available, people should contact their practices in the usual way, and they will be signposted to the most appropriate service.
NHS England North West’s Regional Medical Director, Dr Michael Gregory said: “We always see a rise in demand for NHS services after the Christmas break and we want to encourage people to use the most appropriate services for their needs over the coming weeks.”
“NHS 111 online is a great first port of call for non-urgent issues and can help to signpost to appropriate NHS services.”
There are host of things that people can do to reduce the risk of falling ill during periods of cold weather. Spreading sand or salt on icy surfaces on driveways, garden paths, and steps can help. Dressing for the cold weather, wearing layers, shoes that have a good grip and gloves to protect your hands in case falls do happen.
Having a small supply of basic medicines, such as paracetamol, plasters, and indigestion remedies, is another way to manage minor illnesses or injuries at home, with community pharmacy teams able to offer advice on what to have a home.
People looking for health advice are urged to use community pharmacies and NHS 111 online or you can call 111. You can find your nearest pharmacy here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Other advice to help stay healthy this winter, includes:
- Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
- If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
- Try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time. Moving even a little bit can help you to keep strength and mobility.
- Eating and drinking enough is also important. If you are finding it difficult to prepare and eat three big meals, try smaller ones throughout the day.
- A good idea is to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don’t put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.
- As the winter months are drawing in, look after your mental health as well as your physical health go to Every Mind Matters for advice.
For more information about self-care options for common complaints, search NHS seasonal advice or Age Concern UK.
