Health and care services come under even greater pressure during the winter months due to Covid and flu, other winter illnesses, and difficulties in discharging patients from hospital. We have tried and tested plans to address additional pressure and staff have been preparing for a winter that is likely to be challenging.
It’s important that we all continue to play our part by getting vaccinated against Covid and flu if you're eligible, and making the right choice for the care you need - including using NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre, GP, or high street pharmacy. You can also help by keeping as warm and as active as you can and following the advice on the page below.
Winter pressures
In this NHS Cheshire and Merseyside video, A&E worker Sam explains the importance of choosing the right service and keeping our hospitals flowing...
Resources and information
Please find below useful links and more to support your winter wellbeing.
If you do need to access a health service, where possible please try NHS 111, your GP or high street pharmacy first.
NHS 111 Online can tell you:
- where to get help for your symptoms, if you're not sure what to do
- how to find general health information and advice
- where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
- how to get a repeat prescription
If you’re worried about your health, don’t delay. We’re here to help you stay well this winter.
Around 80% of all care in the UK is self care.
The majority of people feel comfortable managing everyday minor ailments like coughs and colds themselves, particularly when they feel confident in recognising the symptoms and have successfully used over-the-counter medicine before.
More information about how to treat many common conditions at home can be found on the national NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions
Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It's offered every year through the NHS to help protect children and people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.
Flu vaccination is important because:
- while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions
- more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
- if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
Find out more about who can have a flu vaccination, where you can get one and how to book an appointment here.
Hand washing
Washing your hands properly can help stop the spread of common winter infections. It’s particularly important when visiting hospital or another healthcare setting. Help protect yourself, others and your NHS. For more information, visit https://
Coughs and sneezes - Remember to catch it, bin it, kill it:
- Germs spread easily. Use a tissue to catch your cough or sneeze
- Germs live for several hours on tissues. Bin used tissues as quickly as possible
- Hands transfer germs to every surface you touch. Wash your hands as soon as you can
Preventing infection
Infection prevention and control is a priority for our Trust. It's a vitally important part of keeping our patients and staff safe. For more information about how you can help, visit Preventing Infection :: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Is your medicine cabinet well stocked for the winter months? Over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) can help you tackle many minor illnesses at home. You can ask your pharmacist what should be in your cabinet. For more information, click here.
In the colder weather, it's important to remember other people - such as older neighbours, friends and family members - may need extra help in the winter months. For advice on how you can help, visit https://