Public support sought as NHS expects extremely busy Christmas

NHS services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are preparing for an extremely busy Christmas week and are calling on local people to show their support by choosing the most appropriate option when seeking care.

The call to action follows an already very pressurised start to winter, with the region’s three largest hospitals – the Royal United Hospital in Bath, the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and Salisbury District Hospital – caring for around 10 per cent more people than at this point last year.

Health leaders expect the sustained increase in demand to rise over the Christmas and new year period, as many non-urgent health and care services, such as GP practices and pharmacies, either close or operate with reduced opening hours.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Lots of people feel under the weather at Christmas, but most seasonal illnesses, along with the kind of minor injuries that are more common during winter, can be managed effectively at home, often through rest and with the help of medicine available from shops and pharmacies.

“Anyone experiencing a symptom that they’re unsure of how to treat should always use NHS 111, especially its online version, before visiting a hospital or urgent treatment centre, as the instant advice offered through the service is – in most cases – the same as what would be provided in-person by a doctor or nurse.”

Some pharmacies in the region will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and these can also offer on-the-spot advice for how to care for non-urgent conditions at home, as well dispense emergency prescriptions.

People who do become seriously ill over the Christmas period are advised not to put off seeking help straight away, as hospitals often become overwhelmed in the days after the bank holidays, and conditions usually worsen when left untreated.

Further details on all local health and care services can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.