Health officials in the region are asking the public to “Help us, help you”.
They expect to see an increase in the number of people needing help, driven by increases in acute respiratory illness, flu, COVID-19, and norovirus.
NHS Sussex is asking everyone to ensure that those who need them have vaccinations, use the right service for their needs, and only go to A&E for life-threatening conditions.
The NHS and wider partners have been working since the summer to prepare for winter, and plans are in place to ensure that local hospitals, GP practices, social, community health, ambulance, and mental health services, and voluntary organisations can continue to provide safe care for people across Sussex.
Tips to stay well this winter:
- Using NHS 111 for advice on the most appropriate service for their needs
- Contact your GP practice about worrying symptoms
- Speaking to a pharmacist about minor illnesses
- Only using 999 and hospital Emergency Departments for life-threatening conditions
- Making sure you get repeat prescriptions in time for weekends and bank holidays
- Stocking up on over-the-counter medicines
- Looking out for vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours.
Dr James Ramsey, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, said:
“Maintaining the quality and safety of services is the key priority for all health and care partners in Sussex. We know that we will see an increase in demand for services, and all partners are working together to ensure that people can continue to receive timely access to the most appropriate help and support.
“It is really important we work to prioritise the most vulnerable in our communities, and much work is underway to proactively support them and help to make sure that their needs are being cared for. We also need to ensure that people can receive help if they need urgent or emergency support, and there are a wide range of services available from our pharmacies across Sussex, to NHS 111, our minor injury units and urgent treatment centres.
“Planned care will also continue as we work to reduce the time people are waiting for care. Health and care teams will be continuing to work hard to see people who are currently waiting and ensure they receive the care they need.
“It’s also important for people to take steps to keep yourself well this winter. Having a personal winter plan might include stocking up on the cold and flu medicines in your medicine cabinet at home, as well as thinking about other supplies that can help you manage if we have a cold snap.
“Make sure that if you do have a long-term condition like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure you take your prescribed medication and attend any review appointments that are due.
“If you do fall ill, you can get helpful advice from your local pharmacy or get in touch with 111 online or by phone. And don’t forget to download the NHS App, it has lots of advice on hundreds of conditions and can help you access health services.”
For more information visit our Get the right care – Sussex Health & Care
Dog incidents in Selsey
Portsmouth Gunwharf Central Square redevelopment
Sussex Police targeting domestic abuse this Christmas
Efforts to stop the homelessness crises in Chichester District
ID appeal after assault at a Hove restaurant
Appeal following East Grinstead assault and robbery
Drug related deaths rise in Portsmouth
WATCH: Speeding motorist disqualified after reaching 130mph in Sussex
Portsmouth transport services return to the Hard Interchange in January
NHS Sussex is issuing advice to help stop the spread of norovirus this winter
On Air