'Team Oxfordshire' reunites to face winter pressures

Staff from the county's hospitals, GPs, social services, community health services, ambulance services, mental health services and the voluntary sector work together to provide safe, effective and sustainable care to people across Oxfordshire. Masu.

Winter is a time of pressure for health and social care services, and with the onset of flu season, colder temperatures and harsher weather conditions increase demand on GPs and emergency departments. This means that health and social care staff working as 'Team Oxfordshire' are particularly important.

Lisa Glynn, Interim Chief Operating Officer of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), said: “Winter is the busiest season for health services. As temperatures drop, respiratory illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus and, of course, influenza, increase. After another busy year, the Winter Team's priority is to ensure that people in need of medical care have access to the services they need.

“We all know that treatment closer to home is often best for patients. In their own home environment, in familiar surroundings, in the comfort of their own home. As always, Together with our health and social care colleagues, we are working hard to not only get people home safely from hospital as soon as possible, but also to tackle the other side of the problem and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. .”

Emergency departments are often at their highest demand during winter, and our colleagues at OUH are working hard to improve our performance this year.

Lisa added: “While various quality improvement initiatives in the emergency department have improved our performance, we still want people to remember that the emergency department responds to true emergencies. If you need medical help but it's not an emergency, please see your doctor.' Your local pharmacy, minor injuries unit or GP are best suited to help you. If you don't know where to go for help, contact NHS 111 for advice and to guide you to the best place to get the care you need. ”
One of the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy is to keep yourself updated. influenza vaccination and New coronavirus additional vaccination These are recommended if you belong to these groups.

Dr Ed Capo Bianco, Oxfordshire GP, said: Planning for your personal winter may include stocking your home medicine cabinet with cold and flu medicines and thinking about other essentials you can take care of when the cold weather hits. If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure, it's also important to take your prescribed medications and attend your scheduled follow-up appointments.

'If you become ill, you can get helpful advice from your local pharmacy or contact 111 online or by phone. Don't forget to download the NHS app, which has hundreds of It has lots of advice about symptoms and can help you access medical services.”

GPs will be contacting patients who are eligible for a free flu jab and Covid-19 booster to take part in vaccination clinics across Oxfordshire over the coming months.
Detailed information about the target audience free flu shot Available on the NHS website.
Oxfordshire County Council's social care teams, alongside health care, play a vital role in reducing hospital admissions and supporting those who require admission to return home as quickly as possible.

Karen Fuller, director of adult social care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: This is achieved by working with our partners in the community and voluntary groups who, together with us, can provide more personalized support closer to home.
“When hospitalization is required, our discharge assessment model is helping more people to be discharged from hospital more quickly and safely, and to arrange additional care to return home.
“Not only is this good news for hospitals by reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, but it is also very good for residents in that people are regaining independence faster and there is less need for more formal long-term care.” This is news.”

of the council Living well in Oxfordshire This guide provides a wealth of information, including details on local support groups, information for carers and advice on how to stay independent and active in your local area.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides local physical health services, including the county's out-of-hours GP service and minor injury unit, Oxfordshire's community hospitals, Oxfordshire NHS's 24/7 mental health helpline, health visiting service and school nurse service. Provides mental health services.

Britta Klink, Chief Nurse at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As we head into the darkest and coldest period of the year, we need to prepare for winter, support each other and look after our bodies and minds. It's important to think about what you're doing.” health. “If you or someone you know is eligible to receive a flu or coronavirus vaccine, it is critical that you take advantage of that opportunity, as these vaccines will help protect vulnerable populations. , we are keen for as many people as possible to be vaccinated. “Our colleagues at Oxford Health are working hard to provide clinical care in the home, in community hospitals, in district nursing teams across the county, in school nursing services or in mental health settings. Our team works hard to help people stay healthy, live well and thrive.

'If you are an adult or young person struggling with your mental health, NHS support is right at your fingertips on Oxfordshire NHS's 24-hour mental health helpline via NHS 111 online. You can also find out more oxfordshire talking therapy online. “

Last winter, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) responded to more than 216,000 999 emergencies, of which just over 73% were Category 1 or Category 2 emergencies (the most seriously ill or injured). (highest category of report).

Mark Ainsworth, Executive Director of Operations at SCAS, said: “The arrival of winter and cold weather always increases pressure on NHS services across the board, and the ambulance service is no exception. The cold weather worsens many pre-existing health conditions. This could result in more 999 calls and more patients having to spend time in hospital. While we strive to reach all other patients within 2-3 hours, this may not be possible this winter and during peak times, such patients may have to wait. The time can be significantly longer.

“So, if you or someone you are with has a serious emergency that is life-threatening or requires urgent treatment, and you are unable to go to a hospital or other treatment center, We continue to urge the public to only call 999 if it is not an emergency. NHS 111 Provide services online 111.nhs.uk Whether you use our online or telephone service, all you have to do is answer a few questions about your main symptoms and you'll get the help and advice you need. This includes return phone calls from doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Required. “