Public urged to play their part as local 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, close or operate with reduced opening hours.

People needing health and care during the festive period are encouraged to use NHS 111 online, which can offer tailored advice on how to manage minor illness and injury and, where appropriate, provide direction to other nearby services.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We know this time of year will be extremely busy for our local NHS, and with many of our urgent and emergency care services already feeling the strain, the support of our public is now more vital than ever.

“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 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.

The Christmas and new year opening times for every pharmacy across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire can be viewed on the front page of the ICB website at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk. 

Information on how to access dedicated mental health outlets can be found online, by visiting the website of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust at www.awp.nhs.uk. 

Further details on all other local health and care services are available at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.