People in Devon are being asked to help the county’s busy NHS by continuing to choose the right service for their needs and getting vaccinated against winter viruses.

A rise in cold weather illnesses, including flu, vomiting and diarrhoea bugs mean all of the county’s NHS services, including the main hospitals - in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple – are likely to remain under severe pressure all week.

The region’s ambulance service has also been experiencing significant and sustained demand across its 999 services.

Local people can do their bit by:

• Only call 999 when someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk. For example, if someone is unconscious, not breathing or is bleeding heavily.
• If an ambulance has been arranged for you, please only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or you wish to cancel the ambulance
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures - One Devon
• Play your part by taking simple steps during the cold weather to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Wrap up warm, wear sensible footwear in icy conditions and make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
• Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon said; “All our services are working together to prioritise care to those most in need. Making the right choices can save lives and support our neighbourhoods and communities.

“It is still critical that those needing emergency or life-saving care contact 999 or attend ED but we ask everyone else to choose the best service for their medical need. If your condition isn’t life-threatening, consider 111, your GP or local pharmacy first.

“We have also entered a period of extremely cold weather which means winter illnesses and infections are spreading quickly.”

To prevent the spread of winter illnesses people should:

• Not visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
• Try to stay at home and avoiding contact with other people if you come down with a winter bug and do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Follow simple self-care tips from nhs.uk
• Get your flu vaccine from your GP practice, local pharmacy or vaccination centre. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people. Information about where and when you can get a vaccine can be found here.

If you have a question about your COVID-19 or flu vaccination, please get in touch with your local vaccination support line - Eastern/Southern team: 07729 300349; Northern team: 07385 934988; West team: 07729 300350.

Dr Collins concluded: “75% of those aged over 65 in Devon have been vaccinated against flu but we know many people who are eligible for a vaccination this winter, such as those with a long-term condition or who are pregnant, still haven’t come forward to get their jab. Please protect yourselves by getting your vaccination from your GP or local vaccination clinic.”