Health: "Help Us Help You"

Winter is approaching quickly and the cold, wet weather often heralds a period of coughs, colds and a range of other potentially more serious illnesses.

As ever, the healthcare services in Buckinghamshire will be working hard to ensure that everyone gets the care needed at the right time. But the message from staff is "you can help us help you, and those in greatest need, by using our services well."

Health service staff are working more closely than ever across the multi-service health and care platforms and have carefully planned for extra resources this winter. This will support people at risk, enabling them to be looked after in their own homes and to enable people to leave hospital when medically fit.

During the winter, flu, norovirus, and respiratory problems mean many frail and vulnerable people get sicker, leading to more emergency admissions, which has a greater impact on hospitals — particularly with an ageing population.

Local health providers have offered more flu vaccinations than ever to keep people well and curb the spread of the illness. Particularly targeted groups have included pregnant women and the elderly, schoolchildren and care home residents.

In addition, a new service has been launched to provide access to appointments in general practice at evenings and weekends, which is available to all patients registered with a Bucks GP.

Appointments are available until 8pm Monday to Friday, at selected hours on Saturday, and from 9am to 1pm on Sunday and Bank Holidays. To find out which GPs open longer near us in Haddenham, call 111.

Help us help you by:

• Having a flu vaccination, particularly if you are eligible for a free one at your GP surgery or pharmacy
• Using your pharmacy at the first sign of illness — ask if an over-the-counter treatment or medicine is suitable.
• Keeping A&E free for serious and life-threatening conditions and using services like 111 or www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk for health information, advice and appointments with appropriate services.
• Avoiding your GP surgery or hospital if you have an illness, like norovirus, that can be self-treated yourself — help prevent its spread.
• Keep warm and eat well- this can help prevent flu, colds or more serious conditions.
• Remember vulnerable neighbours and relatives — check they have food, medication and a warm home.