The NHS is urging the public to help ease winter pressure during what is expected to be the busiest week of the year. NHS services are running on 'sheer resilience' during the winter, but extreme cold weather and a bad flu season are expected to make the start of the year challenging. The NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is asking the public to consider which healthcare provider is best suited to their needs to help alleviate pressure points. Dr Amanda Webb, chief medical officer for the BANES, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), emphasized the importance of 'robust planning and sheer resilience' in the local NHS. She added that the public's support can turn a challenging situation into a more manageable one. With so many health and care options available, most accessible in seconds through smartphones or tablets, people are encouraged to use these as their first port of call when help is needed. NHS 111 is available 24/7 online and can be a good place to check if you're unsure which healthcare service you need. For minor injuries and illnesses, community pharmacies can also provide assistance, but people should still call 999 in medical emergencies. Dr Trevor Smith, medical director for NHS England South West, acknowledged the pressures being felt across the region but noted that teams are coping well so far. He advised people to bear with the delays, attributing them to peaks in demand and pressures. He stressed that seriously unwell people should continue to call 999 or go to A&E. The ICB also suggested that healthy people can contribute by practicing good hand hygiene, which can prevent the spread of winter viruses, flu, and norovirus. The NHS is counting on the public's support to navigate the challenges of winter, and people are encouraged to use the available resources wisely.
