A WINTER health campaign is urging residents to help lessen pressure on the NHS.
The South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) is putting in place stringent measures to manage the expected demand over winter.
It is anticipating impact from seasonal flu, norovirus and bad weather increasing accidents as well as living with Covid-19 and the impact of people mixing.
To encourage people to take care of their health in the colder months, the trust is launching a new campaign, ‘help us land on good days this winter,’ which provides practical advice for the community.
It includes choosing the right service for medical needs to ensure organisations can treat and care for people that need them the most.
Residents can visit NHS 111 online for urgent but not life-threatening medical advice or visit a pharmacy. Pharmacists offer expert advice for many common winter ailments such as coughs and colds, sinusitis, earaches and sore throats.
In addition, research shows being in familiar surroundings helps to aid recovery. As such, the NHS is asking people to get their relatives and loved ones home when they are medically fit for discharge.
SWFT chief executive Glen Burley said: “Winter is always a difficult time within the NHS and with the levels of demand experienced throughout the summer, which are higher than before COVID-19 and show no sign of reducing, we expect this year to be especially challenging.
“We have developed a robust winter plan to strengthen our ability to manage and respond to the pressures. However, your support in choosing the right service for your needs and helping to get your relatives home is pivotal in ensuring we can care for the people that need us the most.
“Flu and coronavirus vaccines are also a vital tool in protecting the vulnerable members of our public and our health and care teams. If you have yet to have your vaccines or Covid-19 booster and are eligible we would strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
“Take care this winter, make sure your elderly relatives and neighbours are safe and well, and please keep showing your support for our amazing staff.”
