As the winter and festive season continues, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is urging the public to remember to choose the treatment which is right for them and keep Stepping Hill Hospital's emergency department (A&E) services for those patients who most need them.

People in vulnerable groups are also being asked to get their vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu for which they are entitled.

The winter season always sees increased pressure on hospital and emergency services. Many health conditions, including respiratory diseases such as asthma, can be caused or worsened by cold weather and increased rates of seasonal flu, norovirus and COVID-19 all have an impact.

At Stepping Hill Hospital, this adds to the heavy pressure which its emergency services are already facing. The population it serves includes a high portion of older people, who are often frail with complex conditions.

Discharging these patients from hospital when their treatment is complete can be difficult. This lack of 'flow' out of the hospital can cause delays to new patients getting the treatment they need. Keeping our emergency services free for the people who really need them always helps.

In the event of a non-life-threatening illness or minor injury, there are a number of alternatives to A&E. Stockport NHS Trust encourages residents in this case to can NHS 111 First or visit https://111.nhs.uk/ in the first instance: they can advise whether you need to go to hospital or seek alternative treatment.

Pressure can increase on the NHS during winter, and Stockport NHS Trust is no exception. This is why getting the right care is important (Image - Alasdair Perry)

They may also offer advice as to at-home tips you can follow to ease symptoms.

Your pharmacist can also give free, practical advice, says the Stockport NHS Trust. Pharmacists are clinically trained professionals, who can offer help with a range of common illnesses and conditions such as aches and pains, coughs, colds , cystitis, earache, indigestion, skin rashes or sore throats.

Your local GP surgery can be contacted for long term conditions, chronic pain, and lasting symptoms.

Cases of COVID-19 and flu also rise in winter, and these can be potentially deadly for those in vulnerable groups. They can also lead more people to be hospitalised, which in turn adds further to the pressures. Getting a vaccination is the safest form of protection, the trust says.

Many people are entitled to free vaccinations; these include those aged 65 or over, those with respiratory conditions or a weakened immune system, pregnant women, and those caring for others.

You can contact your GP surgery to book an appointment, find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, or book a flu or COVID-19 vaccination appointment online.

Andrew Loughney, Medical Director for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said "Winter is always a very busy time for our emergency NHS services, and that includes here in Stockport.

"Everyone can play their part by choosing the service that's most appropriate for their needs and by keeping themselves protected by getting vaccinated where appropriate. This will help us to provide the most effective emergency care that we can to everyone who needs it." 

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