Help us to help you by choosing healthcare services wisely this week
People in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West are being asked to choose their healthcare services wisely this week, as Emergency Departments have seen increased attendances due to the recent hot weather and high pollen levels.
This also comes ahead of planned strike action this week, where junior doctors will be striking for 72 hours from 7am on Wednesday 14 June to 7am Saturday 17 June.
People can take steps to keep themselves safe and well during this hot weather – there is useful advice on managing hay fever symptoms on the NHS website, as well as useful information on how to stay well in hot weather.
Dr Rachael De Caux, Chief Medical Officer of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Emergency Departments across our area have seen extremely high levels of attendances over the past 24 hours, including many people with complications as a result of the high pollen count and warmer temperatures.
“We are doing all that we can to keep people safe, but by keeping yourself well – including keeping hydrated, making sure you are stocked up on hayfever and asthma medicine if needed, and keeping cool – you can reduce the chance of needing urgent medical attention. Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”
If you need urgent, but not life-saving, medical help, use NHS 111 online where the teams can signpost you to the most appropriate local service, helping you get the right care in the right place.