Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is preparing for another busy winter across Devon following a sustained increase in the number of people attending its emergency departments throughout the summer months and many people needing to be admitted to hospital.

Winter is often a challenging time for the NHS but this year in particular the challenge will be great, as Royal Devon manage winter pressures alongside working to address the backlog in elective care services.

Staff at Royal Devon are working hard to ensure patients continue to receive timely, high-quality care when services are busy this winter and are asking the public to support their local NHS services during this busy time.

Suzanne Tracey, Royal Devon Chief Executive Officer, said: “This time of year is always challenging and we have been working closely with staff, the community and partner organisations to prepare.

“We want to do whatever we can to make this winter better for our patients and staff and are asking patients and visitors to support us.”

Let’s work together this winter and help us help you.

Choose the right healthcare service

One of the ways people can help is by choosing the right healthcare service for their needs. This could be a minor injuries service, local pharmacy or GP, and if you need urgent medical advice or reassurance you can contact NHS 111 by phone or online (111.nhs.uk).

Prof Adrian Harris, Royal Devon Chief Medical Officer said: “By seeking treatment and advice elsewhere when it’s not a life-threatening illness or injury, you could spend less time waiting for appropriate treatment and advice and can help reduce waiting times for patients needing the most urgent care.”

Find out more about your healthcare options – https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/get-the-care-you-need/

Think home first this Christmas

Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some but, for most, home is the best place to be. The Royal Devon are also encouraging patients and their friends and family to think home first when they are in hospital and help prepare them to be discharged.

Carolyn Mills, Royal Devon Chief Nursing Officer said: “If you have a family member, a friend or a neighbour in hospital, there are a number of important things you can do that will aid their recovery whilst in hospital and also help them get home as soon as they are ready to be discharged. These include providing suitable clothing and shoes, staying in contact with the ward about their expected date of discharge and helping organise transport home.

“We want to ensure that when patients get home they will be safe, warm and supported to enjoy their Christmas, and that’s why we are asking people to help us.”

Find out more in our patient guide to discharge – think home first.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations

People are encouraged to have their flu and COVID-19 autumn booster vaccinations as soon as possible, as an increasing number of children and adults are being admitted to intensive care in the south-west with flu.

Parents in particular are being encouraged to have their two- and three-year-olds vaccinated when invited by their GP practice. The influenza vaccination for children is a quick and painless nasal spray that is safe and effective against the flu virus.

Find out how to book your COVID-19 vaccination here https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/covid-19-information/ and eligible adults can find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccinations here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service/

Urgent care waiting time information

The NHSquicker app shows up-to-date waiting times for local emergency departments and minor injuries units, based on your location, incorporating live travel times to help people make informed decisions about where to go for urgent treatment for a minor injury or illness.

NHSquicker is available for smartphones and tablets, on Apple and Android. To download the NHSquicker app, search for ‘NHSquicker’ in the App Store or Google Play.

For more information about NHSquicker visit nhsquicker.co.uk