Health and social care teams across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West are working together to prepare for the busy winter months ahead.
Local hospitals, GP practices, social services, community health services, ambulance services, mental health services, and voluntary organisations are planning safe, effective, and sustainable care for people across the BOB area.
Patients and residents are also being urged to do everything they can to get 'winter ready' by:
- Taking up the offer of free flu and Covid and RSV vaccinations if they are in eligible groups
- Using NHS 111 for advice on the most appropriate service for their needs
- Continuing to contact their GP practice about worrying symptoms
- Speaking to a pharmacist about minor illnesses
- Only using 999 and hospital Emergency Departments for life-threatening conditions
- Making sure they get repeat prescriptions in time for weekends and bank holidays
- Stocking up on over-the-counter medicines
- Looking out for vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours.
Rachael Corser, Chief Nursing Officer at the NHS BOB Integrated Care Board which manages health services in the area, said: "Winter is always a busy time for the NHS and comes at the end of a year which has already seen all our teams under significant pressure.
"Thanks to the hard work which goes on every day across BOB, we are aiming to put the NHS and social care on the front foot in supporting patients and local communities to get the care they need."
Dr Ed Capo Bianco, a GP and Urgent Care Clinical Lead for BOB ICB, said: "It's also important to keep yourself well this winter. Having a personal winter plan might include stocking up on the cold and flu medicines in your medicine cabinet at home, as well as thinking about other supplies that can help you manage if we have a cold snap.
"Make sure that if you do have a long-term condition like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure you take your prescribed medication and attend any review appointments that are due.
"If you do fall ill, you can get helpful advice from your local pharmacy or get in touch with 111 online or by phone. And don't forget to download the NHS App, it has lots of advice on hundreds of conditions and can help you access health services."
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