Stay well this winter with help from your local NHS

As we head into winter, the NHS across Frimley Health and Care* is supporting people to stay well and make the right choice when seeking medical help.

Colder weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you have a long-term health condition, for example asthma or heart disease.

If you’re 65 or over, or in one of the at-risk groups, it’s important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell. 

You can get support and advice from:

• the 111.nhs.uk website – check your symptoms or get help if you have an urgent medical problem and are not sure what to do.  NHS 111 can connect you with a nurse, GP, emergency dentist or other health professional. They will also book you an appointment if you need one
• The Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care website – for information and advice on keeping well and details about local services
• Parents, carers, children and young people can also find lots of useful information and advice at: https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/
• a pharmacy – pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor
• your GP – appointments are available until 8pm on weekdays, 9am-5pm on Saturdays.  Save time by making an appointment or ordering medicines via the NHS app or visit your GP website for online advice and support. 

Call 999 or visit A&E when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. This includes situations such as severe bleeding, head injury or if you think it could be a heart attack or stroke.

If you’re concerned about your or someone else’s mental health, you can get help from NHS 111 online or by calling 111. You can also call Samaritans 24 hours a day 365 days a year on 116 123 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Keep a supply of painkillers, cough medicine, and plasters in your medicine cabinet, so you can deal with minor illness and ailment at home.

If you have a repeat prescription, make sure you have enough medication to last. You can manage your repeat prescription through the NHS App (nhs.uk/app) or your GP surgery’s online service. 

If you’re eligible, boost your immunity with a free flu jab and COVID-19 booster. There’s more information about the flu vaccine and how to book on the NHS website.  You can book your COVID-19 booster online. 

Keep yourself and your home warm and eat well. Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket in bed (not both), have regular hot drinks and at least 1 hot meal a day. 

For cost-of-living support please visit your local council website:

• Bracknell Forest Council
• Hart District Council
• Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
• Rushmoor Borough Council
• Slough Borough Council
• Surrey County Council
• Waverley Borough Council

There’s also information on the government’s Help for Households website.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley, said, “If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible. You may not need to see your GP or go to A&E.

“If you’re unsure what service to choose, visit the NHS 111 website. It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP, or arrange a face-to-face appointment if you need one.”  

“It’s also very important that you take up the offer of a free flu and COVID-19 jab, if you’re eligible.” 

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Notes:

Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System (ICS) is a partnership of local health and care organisations that are involved in planning, buying and providing health and care services locally. The Frimley Health and Care area covers Bracknell, Slough, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead, North East Hampshire and Farnham and Surrey Heath.