Public thanked for support, but more is needed ahead of new year celebrations

The NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire needs local people to continue to choose the most appropriate health and care service ahead of the new year celebrations, as frontline teams remain stretched following a busy Christmas weekend.

Demand for care is expected to rise over the coming days, as many health and care services, such as GP practices and community pharmacies, reopen after having closed for Christmas.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We know there is a reluctance among some people to access care on bank holidays, for fearing of having to wait and services being much busier than usual.

“However, what we have seen in previous years is that our activity actually tends to peak in the days after Christmas, as people incorrectly assume things to be quietening down and getting back to normal.

“The week between Christmas and new year is always an exceptionally busy time for the NHS, so our message to anyone who is unsure about whether to seek help is to first get advice from NHS 111, which is available online or over the phone.

“By using 111 before defaulting to a hospital or urgent treatment centre, people can receive expert help and advice – specific to their symptoms – in real time, while leaving urgent and emergency care services free for those most in need of rapid support and assistance.

“And at this time of year, choosing the right service at the right time really does have the ability to make a tangible difference to both patients and staff.”

People using NHS 111 – which can be accessed online at www.111.nhs.uk, as well as over the phone by calling 111 – should be reassured that the service will still direct them to in-person care options, whenever necessary to do so.

The winter flu virus continues to circulate and any person displaying symptoms is asked to stay at home and manage their illness with rest and the help of medicine cupboard essentials, such as paracetamol and nasal sprays.

Visting health and care settings, such as GP practices, community pharmacies and hospitals, while displaying symptoms of flu risks exposing others, some of whom may already be unwell, to the nasty effects of the virus.

Simple actions like regularly washing hands with soap and water, as well as catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue before throwing it away, can also help to prevent the spread of flu.

Community pharmacies across the region will be open throughout the week between Christmas and new year to provide help and support for minor illness and injury, although some may have reduced opening hours.

Some pharmacies will remain open on New Year’s Day, with people able to find details of the sites nearest to where they live through the Find a Pharmacy tool on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.

Further information on local health and care services, as well as details of how to stay well during winter, can be found online at www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.