Winter Illness Surge: What the NHS Is Asking You to Do Now

High levels of seasonal illness are putting pressure on NHS services this winter, including ambulances, hospitals and GP surgeries.

Flu, along with vomiting and diarrhoea bugs, are circulating widely at this time of year. As demand rises, people are being asked to help by choosing the right service for their needs and by taking simple steps to stay well.

Local services, including hospitals, have plans in place to manage high demand. However, when services are busy there can be delays. NHS staff will do all they can to minimise disruption and people are being reminded to treat staff and other patients with respect.

When to Use Emergency Services

People are being urged to only call 999 when someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk. This includes situations where someone is unconscious, not breathing or bleeding heavily.

If an ambulance has already been arranged, people are asked to only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or if the ambulance is no longer needed.

For medical help or advice, or if you are unsure whether you need to go to hospital, the NHS advises using NHS 111 online or phoning 111.

Other NHS Services You Can Use

People are encouraged to check online for information about minor injury units and urgent treatment centres. This includes opening times, what services are available and live waiting times.

Community pharmacies can also help with minor illnesses and provide medication advice. Details of local pharmacies can be found using the NHS ‘find a pharmacy’ map by entering your postcode.

If you or someone you know experiences a mental health crisis, support is available via NHS 111.

For urgent dental problems, people who are not registered with a dentist are advised to contact NHS 111 to seek an appointment, with more slots being made available.

Anyone with an NHS appointment is asked to attend unless they are contacted directly to rearrange.

Supporting Hospital Discharges

People are also being asked to collect friends or family members who are ready to be discharged from hospital where possible. This helps free up beds so other patients can be admitted. Wards can be contacted if you are able to support someone returning home.

Simple Steps to Stay Well This Winter

During colder weather, people are advised to look after themselves and others by checking on vulnerable family members and neighbours. This includes wrapping up warm, wearing sensible footwear in icy conditions and keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home.

To help prevent the spread of winter illnesses, the NHS advises:

• Do not visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms such as a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting

• Wear a mask in healthcare settings, including hospitals, if asked to do so

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, which is the best way to stop illnesses spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus

• Stay at home and avoid contact with others if you have a winter illness and do not feel well enough for normal activities

Further self care advice is available on the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk.