HEALTH chiefs have issued advice to help Wirral residents stay well this winter.

Wirral's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) - the body responsible for commissioning local health services - is advising people what to do in the event of an illness or injury as part of a national campaign fronted by Public Health England.

The CCG is encouraging the public to contact their local GP, pharmacy or medical centre where expert clinical advice is available.

The local campaign will be shown on buses and at train stations as well as on information screens in most GP surgeries across Wirral.    

‘Stay Well This Winter’ will target the everyday person who may have concerns that they have the first signs of a cold or flu, or symptoms of an illness but whose first port of call may be to attend the Accident and Emergency unit of their local hospital.

Medical director Dr Sue Wells for Wirral CCG said: “At this time of year, accident and cmergency can be the busiest and whilst most patients using this service are urgent cases, some can visit with a less serious illness which could have been treated by their GP or pharmacist.

“The public may not always think of the services available on their doorstep such as the pharmacy or booking in to see their GP.

“There is always extra pressure on urgent care services, particularly A&E throughout winter.  If you feel unwell, but your case is not an emergency, there are other ways you can get advice from your local NHS service instead of phoning 999 or attending A&E.

“The right NHS services are everywhere; we just need to make the right choice.”

Public Health England will deliver a ‘Stay Well This Winter’ social media campaign this week by spelling out ‘Winter’ to the public by self-care messages.

Warm – Keep your house warm this winter

Immunisations – Get your flu vaccination

Neighbours – Keep an eye on elderly neighbours and relatives

Timely – Seek advice from a pharmacist at first sign of illness

Enough – Pick up repeat prescriptions so you have enough while pharmacies/surgeries are closed

Restock – Make sure you have enough food and medicine in the cupboard.

  • Visit nhs.uk and wirralccg.nhs.uk for more information.  You can also follow #StayWellThisWinter through Facebook and Twitter.