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We want to help local people to stay well this winter and avoid unnecessary visits to hospital. The cold, wet and snowy weather that comes during the winter months can be particularly difficult for pregnant women, children under the age of seven, older people and those living with long term conditions such as lung conditions, arthritis and diabetes. We are supporting the national Stay Well This Winter (opens in a new window) campaign, which urges people to be prepared, seek advice early, choose the right service and keep warm. 

If you do need to come to hospital over the winter, we've got you covered. The demand on our services increases in the winter months, but we've invested in additional nursing and medical staff, have a dedicated programme to support patients who come to hospital because of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and, working with partners, have recently launched a new Community Assessment and Diagnostics Unit (CADU) for older people at Epsom Hosptial. 

There's lots of things you can do to stay well this winter. Here's some tips to protect you and your family:

• If you need to see a doctor and your surgery is closed then call NHS 111 – open 24 hours and can help you find the right service for your need
• Make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked and check the sell by dates
• Pharmacists are great! They can give expert advice on winter nasties such as coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains, as well as healthy eating and stopping smoking
• It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors, so if possible keep your home at least 18°C (65°F)
• Protect yourself, your family and your friends by having the flu jab - those over 65, pregnant women, children aged two to four and in school years one and two, and people with long-term health conditions can receive this free from their GP or pharmacist
• Take your regular medication with you if you visit family or friends
• Remember to look out for older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well.

Stay active

The more we keep moving the better for our circulation and heart health. Being active every day helps everyone to stay healthy. As it gets colder and darker it can be tempting to hang up our exercise gear, eat more food and hibernate. However, exercise can help increase energy, banish those winter blues and help maintain a healthy body weight.

Please be aware that breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. So wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

Don’t forget to warm up and be safe if exercising after dark.

Eat well

Eating well can help improve wellbeing, manage weight and reduce the risk of developing illnesses and diseases. Food is also a vital source of energy, which helps keep the body warm.

It is important to have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home.

Avoid going out and risking a fall in icy weather by stocking up the freezer with milk, bread, ready meals and even soup.

Get help early

If you are over 60, tell your friends, family or carer as soon as you feel under the weather, and get advice from your local pharmacist before it gets worse. When older, minor winter ailments can become more serious and can lead to admissions to hospital for treatment.

Getting advice as soon as possible when feeling unwell can help you avoid becoming seriously ill.

Choose well

Choosing the most appropriate care can not only benefit you but can also help relieve pressures on emergency services.

• Call NHS 111: If you’re unsure which NHS service is best, call 111. An adviser will ask questions to assess your symptom, give you advice or direct you to the most appropriate service in your area.
• NHS Choices (opens in a new window) can provide information on local urgent care facilities, GP, Pharmacy or other services.
• Ask your pharmacist: Pharmacists are expert in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets.
• See your family doctor: GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures.
• NHS walk-in centres offer quick access to treatment for a wide variety of minor illnesses and injuries. Walk-in centres are open outside office hours and an appointment is not required.
• A&E departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies. If you're unsure if it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.

Prescriptions

• Make sure to take any medicines as directed
• Get any repeat prescriptions filled in advance as many surgeries and pharmacies close over Christmas
• Keep a supply of cold and flu remedies in the house so you don’t need to go out if the weather is bad
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish the course.

You can get more health tips from NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk (opens in a new window).