East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is encouraging people across Pennine Lancashire to do what they can to improve their physical and mental health by making positive changes to stay safe and well this winter.
“With hospital services facing extreme pressures, we need our community to take care of themselves and each other by making small changes, such as looking at what they eat or drink, their alcohol consumption or smoking habits, how much sleep they get and how much exercise they do”, said Dr Jawad Husain, Medical Director at the Trust.
“Practicing self-care helps reduce pressure on the NHS by ensuring minor health conditions are managed before they become more severe, leaving our emergency services free for those who really need us.
“It also means that our local population will consistently have a good level of physical and mental health, increasing the likelihood of a faster recovery should they need hospital treatment.”
The message comes following a huge increase in the number of attendances to the Trust’s Emergency and Urgent Care departments, with the strain impacting staff morale and resulting in long waits for care. Last week, the Trust experienced demands three times higher than usual for this time of year.
ELHT is also asking relatives and neighbours to look out for older and more vulnerable people as colder weather sets in, making sure they are safe and well, are warm enough especially at night and have stocks of food and medicines so they do not need to go out during very cold weather.
“Now, more than ever, we need to come together as a community and look out for each other”, said David Anderson, Hospital Chaplain.
“The festive period can be an isolating time for some and that has a huge impact on physical and mental health. If someone is feeling low, even a simply text or a card through the door, can bring comfort and hope. If we all do our bit to take of each other, we can make sure as many of us as possible can stay healthy, well and enjoy the winter festivities.”
For more information on self-care and treatments at home, visit www.elht.nhs.uk/self-care