There are important steps we can all take to help health and
social services deal with severe winter pressures.
These range from using services appropriately, caring for
ourselves and others, and co-operating with hospital discharge
processes.
Health Minister today set out the practical
ways we can all support the health service.
The Minister said: “We are seeing evidence of escalating winter
pressures on services – in neighbouring regions as well as in
Northern Ireland. Viruses including flu, RSV, Covid-19 and
Norovirus all tend to circulate to a greater degree during winter
months, adding to already high levels of demand for care.
“The reality is that the coming weeks are likely to be extremely
challenging. I therefore appeal to everyone to play their part in
supporting health and care staff and services.”
He continued: “I want to really stress that if you believe you
need emergency hospital care, then you should not hesitate to
seek it. Emergency Departments will assess those who attend and
prioritise treating the sickest quickest.
“However, if your case is not an emergency, then care and
treatment is available from other parts of the Health and Social
Care system. This includes community pharmacies, GPs, GP out of
hours and minor injury units. Self care is also vitally
important, not least in ensuring that conditions do not
deteriorate to the point where hospital attendance is required.
Even something as straightforward as not leaving it too late to
get your repeat prescriptions can help make a difference.
“Ensuring timely discharge from hospital for those who are well
enough to leave is absolutely vital. This frees up beds for those
waiting in Emergency Departments and ambulances who need urgent
treatment and care. Staying in hospital when you no longer need
to be there is certainly not good for your health.
“Vaccination provides you with vital protection against flu,
Covid-19 and RSV. It also helps reduce pressure on our health
services and hard pressed staff. If you are eligible for these
vaccines and have not yet received them, my advice is please do
not delay any further.”
The Minister last month published a 2024/25 Winter
Preparedness Plan, detailing a series of resilience initiatives.
These include a Pharmacy First for Sore Throat Service that is
now available from pharmacies across NI. This offers advice,
clinical assessment and treatment for sore throats, without
having to wait for a GP appointment.
A collection of Digital Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing
resources have also been launched offering self-help tools. This
includes a selection of carefully curated mental health and
wellbeing apps on the HSC Apps Library offering valuable
self-help information and advice for those seeking mental health
support.
The apps can be accessed on the DHCNI website at: https://dhcni.hscni.net/hsc-apps-library/adult-mental-health-and-well-being
Lifeline, Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline for people
experiencing distress or despair, is available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, every day of the year. The number is 0808 808 8000.
