Health and social care teams across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) are joining forces to prepare for the busy winter months ahead.
It means local hospitals, GP practices, adult social care services, community health services, ambulance services, mental health services, and voluntary organisations are working together to ensure care remains safe, effective, and sustainable for people across the BOB area.
There are a number of steps which the NHS is encouraging people to take up to help alleviate the strain on healthcare services over the winter period.
These include taking up free flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccinations for those eligible; using NHS 111 for efficient, accessible signposting to appropriate services; and contacting GP practises to consult for worrying symptoms.
Pharmacists can be consulted for minor illnesses, and emergency services such as 999 should only be used for life-threatening emergencies.
Ordering repeat prescriptions ahead of weekends and bank holidays helps avoid running out, and encourages the keeping of a good stock of over-the-counter medicines at home.
Sarah Bellars, Chief Nursing Officer at the NHS BOB Integrated Care Board which oversees health services in the area, said: “Winter is always a particularly demanding time for the NHS. Thanks to the continued dedication of health and care staff across our area, we’re working hard to make sure people and communities receive the care they need when they need it.”
Dr Ben Riley, a GP and Chief Medical Officer for BOB ICB, said: “Staying well this winter starts with preparation. Make sure you’re up-to-date with your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations and also, if you’re eligible, a vaccination for a respiratory bug called ‘RSV’ which can cause coughs and chest infections.
“If you live with a long-term condition such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, please make sure you take your preventative medicines and attend your review appointments when they are due, so you are in the best shape to fight off any winter infections.
“If you do become unwell and are generally fit and healthy, many local pharmacies are now able to give you effective treatments without the need to see a GP, including treatments for common winter health conditions including earache, sinusitis, sore throat and straightforward urinary tract infections.”
Contact NHS 111 online via: 111.nhs.uk or by phone by dialling 111.
Advice and services are also available via the NHS app.
