Do your bit to take the strain off A&E

READY for action . . . two of Oldham's gritters

EVERYONE should do their bit to keep themselves safe and healthy during winter weather and reduce unnecessary demand on health services, Oldham Council Leader Jean Stretton has argued.

In her recent blog, the council leader asks residents to avoid going to Accident and Emergency unless a medical condition is a genuine emergency and use local pharmacies and NHS 111 for medical advice.

She said: "The reality is we all know that the winter can traditionally be an extremely challenging time, especially for urgent care services like A&E.

"These months always see an increase in hospital admissions and can inevitably lead to breaches of the 'urgent and emergency care standard' - which is that 95 per cent of patients should be seen, treated, admitted or discharged within four hours of presenting at A&E.

"But whatever the political arguments about targets and the funding of the NHS there are some things that all of us can and should do to help to reduce unnecessary demand."

She added that it was "alarming" to read the British Red Cross' claims last weekend that the NHS is facing a "humanitarian crisis".

She continued: "As a council we work actively with partners to help ensure those people most at risk of preventable emergency admission to hospital are and helped to take the necessary actions to avoid that happening."

Conditions

Winter conditions can be bad for anyone's health; especially those people aged 65 or over, and those with long-term health conditions.

Keeping warm during the colder months is vital and can prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems like heart attack, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Flu jabs are also offered for free for pregnant women, the over-65s, people with long-term health conditions and children aged 2 to 4 years.

The council leader also advised people to act quickly when they feel unwell, such as speaking to a pharmacist or by calling 111 for medical advice, assessment and direction to the best medical treatment for you.

She continued: "It's also vital that we look out for our neighbours, friends and family members at these times.

"Icy pavements and roads can stop people from getting out and about which might mean they miss out on vital medicine or food.

"A friendly face just popping round to have a brew can also work wonders for isolated people - and it costs you nothing other than just a few minutes of your time."

To keep up to date with advice and updates during the winter months, including school closures, gritting routes, travel updates and warmth grants, visit http://www.oldham.gov.uk/winter

To read the Council Leader's blog in full visit https://oldhamcouncil.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/how-we-can-all-do-our-bit-in-wintry-weather/