Public asked to help ease winter pressures by prioritising NHS 111 for non emergencies

Cheshire and Merseyside health chiefs have urged the public to help ease the high demand of winter pressures by prioritising the use of the NHS 111 service for non emergency health needs in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

Hospitals across the region are already witnessing a high number of flu patients, including those with existing chronic respiratory conditions which are often exacerbated by cold weather, while the demand for primary care, mental health and emergency services continues to rise. The latest data suggests around 300 people per day were in hospital last week with flu across Cheshire and Merseyside,  double the number from the same week last year.

It has prompted NHS Cheshire and Merseyside to issue an appeal for residents to only use emergency care for life threatening illnesses and urges them to use NHS 111 for less urgent issues, with Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for the region, saying: "Winter is traditionally a period of high demand across our NHS services, driven by increases in flu, respiratory infections, and other seasonal illnesses.

“We encourage people to use the most appropriate services for their needs over the coming weeks. NHS 111 online is a great first port of call if you have an urgent health need and can help to signpost to appropriate NHS services.

“Having a small supply of basic medicines, such as paracetamol, plasters, and indigestion remedies, is another way to manage minor illnesses or injuries at home, with community pharmacy teams able to offer advice on what to have a home.”

NHS 111 is available online or via the NHS App, as well as by phone, and can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local health service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist.

Other advice suggests regularly washing hands to help reduce the spread of illness and getting winter vaccinations without delay if they haven’t done so already to avoid “festive flu”, as cases across the region continue to rise. 

Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “The increase in flu cases and other seasonal viruses creates additional demand during an already very challenging winter period.  While the NHS anticipate these pressures and plan extensively to manage this demand, it’s important that those eligible have their winter vaccines to prevent them from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

“Having your winter vaccines will help to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS staff who work tirelessly to deliver safe, effective care for those who need it most during these challenging months."

Anyone aged 65 or over is eligible for a free flu vaccine alongside those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children. People are encouraged to book their appointment now through their GP, local pharmacy, or NHS online services. Winter vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus with no appointment necessary. 

Parents should ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia. Information about where to get winter vaccinations is available on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside winter vaccines webpage.

Mersey Care has also developed a 'Help Us Help You' specialised webpage, which includes information about Urgent Treatment Centres and Walk-in Centres, cost of living support, mental health hints and tips and a wide range of other resources to help keep you healthy this winter.