Medical Director urges people to be ready for winter
The Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital is urging people in the community to be ready for winter.
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, is encouraging people to make health their priority and prepare themselves for the approaching colder weather.
She said: “As a respiratory doctor, I would strongly advise all eligible to have their vaccinations for flu and COVID-19. These viruses are circulating and people can prevent the spread of illnesses by getting their vaccinations.
“People who are over 28 weeks pregnant and those aged 75 to 79 are also being offered a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While RSV usually gets better by itself it can cause more serious lung infections and chest infections.”
To avoid a hospital visit due to accidents and falls people are advised to ensure the home is well lit, clear rooms of clutter, use non-slip mats in the bathroom and mop up spills quickly. People can get prepared by keeping medicine cabinets stocked with useful items such as a first aid kit and pain medication, and ensuring prescriptions are ordered on time.
Keeping warm is important during winter and for those who are not very mobile, homes should be heated to at least 18°C. People are advised to wear layers of clothing, use a protected hot water bottle to keep warm in bed and have at least one hot meal a day as well as regular hot drinks. Heat can be maintained by drawing curtains and keeping doors closed to block out draughts.
For those who are mobile, staying active can help people not only stay warm but increase fitness levels.
Dr Stevenson added: “These are simple measures but keeping warm as well as having the right medication in the home can really help people to stay well in the colder months.
“Keeping active where possible is important, so I would advise limiting screen time and setting an alarm every 30 minutes to get up and move, as well as taking regular walks.
“It’s also vital to look out for other people in winter, especially if they are more vulnerable or living alone. It can make a big difference by keeping in touch with people, checking they are feeling well, and making sure they have enough food supplies and medications.”
Healthcare partners are working together to ensure patients do not have an unnecessarily long hospital stay. As soon as patients are fit and well and no longer require hospital care, they will be discharged home.
Dr Stevenson said: “When patients no longer need to be in hospital, the best place to continue their recovery is at home or in the community. Staying in hospital with others who are unwell can lead to an increased risk of catching further illnesses. Also, for people aged 80 years and over, ten days in hospital equates to ten years of muscle wasting.
“Through our Transfer of Care Hub we have significantly reduced the number of patients in our hospitals who no longer require a hospital stay. We are working hard with healthcare partners to ensure patients can return home or to the community as soon as they are well.”
This also improves capacity for patients who attend A&E and are urgently in need of a hospital bed.
Staff are also working hard to ensure people in A&E are seen as quickly as possible and that ambulance crews can be released quickly to attend to other patients. People can help by only attending A&E if they have an emergency.
Dr Stevenson added: “People in most urgent need of care are prioritised, meaning a longer wait in A&E for those who do not have an emergency. What people may not realise is that behind the scenes, staff are caring for patients arriving by ambulance with life threatening emergencies.
“There is lots of help available for people in need of medical attention and the NHS is here to help. If it’s not an emergency, people are asked to contact 111 online or by phone or visit a GP, a Walk-in Centre or pharmacy. Anyone suffering a mental health crisis can also seek expert advise and assessment by contacting 111.”
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