NHS Choices
Together we Can campaign to help the NHS
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) is set to once again run ‘Together We Can’ this winter. The campaign helps people access health and care services at the right time and place.
The campaign also encourages people to choose well and to opt for convenient self-care, where safe to do so during the winter months.
Ruth Buchan, Chief Executive Officer for Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire, said: ”As health services will be extremely busy this winter, we’re asking for everyone to play their part and to be better prepared during the cold and flu season. You can protect yourself and each other by having a flu jab and seeking advice for minor health concerns from your community pharmacy if needed. Our trained healthcare staff can help you choose over counter medicines and offer a range of clinical services too”.
The campaign has an easy to navigate website [togetherwe-can.com]. Here you will find help and advice and tips for keeping well this winter, as well as other useful information on how to stay healthy.
Dr Adam Sheppard, a Wakefield GP and Chair of West Yorkshire Urgent and Emergency Care Programme Board said: “Health and care services are here to help. During winter and times of significant pressure on local services, we still encourage the public to come forward and not to delay if they need help or are concerned about their health, but we want to ensure they’re using the right services and they know when to go to a pharmacy, use NHS 111 or their GP practice. You can save time by ordering prescriptions and seeking medical advice online by downloading the NHS App. Find out all you need to know this winter by visiting togetherwe-can.com”
Together we can choose well this winter. Together we can make a real difference so please:
- Access online services. You can book appointments or order repeat prescriptions through the NHS App. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you need urgent medical help 24/7 and can’t access the internet.
- Remember GP practices are here to help and will ensure you get the right care appropriate for your needs.
- Have your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. If you’re over 50, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition, get your free jabs.
- Take good care this winter there’s lots you can do to stay well and protect yourselves and others around you this winter.
- Visit your local community pharmacy for medical advice and treatments for things like colds, tummy troubles, rashes, and pains.
- A range of urgent care services are available to ensure people can access the right care for their needs. This ensures Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those that need it most including emergencies, those with serious injuries and life-threatening situations like heart attacks.
- Don’t wait until you are in mental health crisis. There’s a wide range of support and resources available for everyone, including a 24/7 free phone line. Visit togetherwe-can.com/mental-health
- We can all spread the kindness this winter by looking out for each other and our neighbours. Visit: ourneighbours.org.uk
Heat-health Watch Alert: Level 3 – Heatwave Action
Issued at 8:27am on Wednesday, 25 July 2018.
There is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions between 9:00am on Monday and 9:00am on Saturday in parts of England.
NHS Choices have published a guide to how to cope in hot weather.
Hot weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients.
More details about the weather alert is available on the MET Office website.
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn’t harm you or anyone you know.
Why is a heatwave a problem?
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
- dehydration (not having enough water)
- overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
- heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Who is most at risk?
A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:
- older people, especially those over 75
- babies and young children
- people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems
- people with mobility problems – for example, people with Parkinson’s disease or who have had a stroke
- people with serious mental health problems
- people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control
- people who misuse alcohol or drugs
- people who are physically active – for example, labourers or those doing sports
Level 1 alert: be prepared
The Meteorological Office has a warning system that issues alerts if a heatwave is likely. Level 1 is the minimum alert and is in place from June 1 until September 15 (which is the period that heatwave alerts are likely to be raised).
Although you don’t have to do anything during a level 1 alert, it is advisable to be aware of what to do if the alert level is raised. Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives.
Public Health England (PHE) has advice on how to stay safe during a heatwave (PDF).
Level 2 alert: heatwave is forecast
The Met Office raises an alert if there is a high chance that an average temperature of 30C by day and 15C overnight will occur over the next 2 to 3 days. These temperatures can have a significant effect on people’s health if they last for at least 2 days and the night in between.
Although you don’t need to take any immediate action, follow these steps in preparation:
- Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio, TV or social media, or the Met Office.
- If you’re planning to travel, check the forecast at your destination.
- Learn how to keep cool at home with the beat the heat checklist (PDF).
Level 3 alert: when a heatwave is happening
This alert is triggered when the Met Office confirms there will be heatwave temperatures in one or more regions.
Follow the instructions for a level 2 alert. The following tips apply to everybody when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable, and reducing health risks.
Tips for coping in hot weather
- Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler.
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.
- Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
- Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
- Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house that is affecting your health or someone else’s, get medical advice.
You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local authority. They can inspect a home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Visit GOV.UK to find your local authority.
Level 4 alert: severe heatwave
This is the highest heatwave alert in Britain. It is raised when a heatwave is severe and/or prolonged, and is an emergency situation.
At level 4, the health risks from a heatwave can affect fit and healthy people, and not just those in high-risk groups. These groups include the elderly, the very young and people with chronic medical conditions.
Follow the information given above for a level 3 alert. Check that anyone around you who is in a high-risk group is coping with the heat.
How do I know if someone needs help?
Seek help from a GP or contact NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell and shows symptoms of:
- breathlessness
- chest pain
- confusion
- intense thirst
- weakness
- dizziness
- cramps which get worse or don’t go away
Get the person somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink.
Calderdale Lower Valley blog 