As hospitals across West Yorkshire are extremely busy caring for people who are seriously poorly, the NHS is reminding people of all the alternative help and support available if you or a loved one becomes unwell this winter.
By taking the time to understand where you can get medical help and how you can stay well, you’re doing your bit to protect our communities and keep hospitals in West Yorkshire free for those who need them most.
The West Yorkshire Together We Can website has all the information you need to stay well over the winter, and details on the right services to access if you need them.
Minor illness and ailments
Most minor winter bugs will get better on their own with plenty of rest and fluids. You can also take over the counter medication such as paracetamol or cold and flu tablets to help ease symptoms.
Check that your medicine cabinet is well stocked with antiseptic cream, paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration solutions to make sure you’re prepared if you do become unwell. If you have young children, consider anything specific they might need too such as a thermometer and a liquid form of paracetamol.
If you do need to see a professional, pharmacists can help with a range of minor illnesses and ailments like colds, tummy troubles, rashes and pains. You can see a pharmacist quickly in your local area without making an appointment. Find your nearest pharmacy online.
Urgent but non-life or limb threatening illnesses or ailments
If your condition or ailment is more serious, but not life or limb threatening, you can visit an urgent treatment centre (UTC). UTCs are alternatives to A&E, treating both children and adults for things such as sprains and strains, simple broken bones, minor head injuries* and insect and animal bites. You can visit a UTC without an appointment and will likely be seen sooner than at A&E. Find your nearest UTC online.
If you’re still unsure
If you’re not sure what service you need, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 where you’ll be given advice on what local service you should use based on your illness or ailment. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can make it quicker and easier for you to get the right help and support for your physical or mental health.
Keep you and your family well
The best thing you can do to stay well and protect those around you this winter is by getting your flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations if you are eligible. Find out if you’re eligible and how to book your vaccinations on the NHS website.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and cold and infections usually get better by themselves. However, particularly for young babies RSV can become more serious and cause a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis so it’s important to keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or flu.
You can also take steps to avoid catching and spreading it by washing or wiping down toys and surfaces regularly; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are not clean; and use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you’ve used them.
It’s also important to make sure that you and your loved ones keep warm, especially with the cold temperatures we have seen over recent weeks. Aim to heat your home to at least 18°C in the rooms you use regularly, such as your living room and bedroom. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or get help with bills if you need it**.
Practicing good hand hygiene can also help to reduce the spread of nasty winter bugs such as norovirus. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after you visit someone in hospital or a care home where viruses spread more easily.
Looking after each other
Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter.
Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery, and cold weather can stop people from going out.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, if they’re feeling unwell or feel lonely.
Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies and medication for a few days in case they cannot go out.
If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “With the recent cold weather and the start of winter bug season, we are beginning to see an impact on our hospitals in West Yorkshire. It’s important to remember that if you need emergency care, Emergency Departments are absolutely the right place to be. However, where it is appropriate to use alternative services, we ask that you do so. By choosing the right service it makes a real difference for our hospitals and those who are the most unwell and in need of acute care.”
Remember, if your condition is life or limb threatening, call 999 immediately or visit your local Emergency Department.
*UTCs cannot see those under the age of two or those over the age of 65 who have a head injury or anyone with a pregnancy related health condition.
**Find out more about ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202. You can also find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support if you’re on a low income or get support if you need help with your energy bills.
Together we can choose well