Life in Salford 35 • November 2021 26
Be prepared to stay safe and healthy this winter It’s more important than ever we all stay well this winter. The NHS is under extreme pressure, not just with COVID-19, but with increasing patient needs and limited capacity. It’s all putting the greatest pressure on the NHS in a generation. On top of this, frontline NHS staff are receiving abuse daily while they try to provide care. Please be patient and kind to one another.
Plan ahead Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home, medicine cabinet and know how to get help or advice. Check on older adults and vulnerable neighbours, family and friends. If you’re prepared for the hazards of winter, you’re more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.
Get advice if you feel unwell It’s important to know where to get help or advice if you are unwell. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you are likely to get better. The NHS website has lots of self-care tips www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-warm-keep-well/ Check your medicine cabinet is ready for winter. Remember most common winter ailments, such as a cold, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or earache, can’t be treated with antibiotics. A pharmacy – your local pharmacist can give treatment and advice for a range of minor illnesses and tell you if you need to see a doctor. Make sure you get regular prescriptions in before the Christmas holidays and check pharmacy opening times over Christmas and bank holidays at www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/live-well/find-pharmacist Your GP (doctor) – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they need to see you in person. NHS 111 – Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. They can also get you an appointment at the emergency department at Salford Royal hospital if necessary. In case of emergency dial 999. Salford Royal’s accident and emergency department (A&E) is for lifethreatening emergencies, such as severe chest pain or injuries, broken bones, breathing difficulties and bleeding that won’t stop.
