Health bosses call for help to ease NHS strain in busiest week of year
Seasonal illness and winter conditions are adding pressure to healthcare in early January
Health bosses across Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are calling for us to help ease the strain on the NHS in the early weeks of 2026.
NHS leaders tell us the start of the year sees the NHS facing one of its busiest weeks as families regroup after the holidays, seasonal illnesses spread, and winter conditions add to hospital admissions.
Gill May, Chief Nursing Officer for the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB), highlighted how planning for this period is vital.
She explained: “This week is always in our planning as one of the busiest of the year. Families gather during Christmas and New Year, where colds, viruses, and flu commonly spread.”
Hospital admissions have been driven, in part, by flu cases in the region, while the peak of what had been referred to as the "super flu" before Christmas has now passed.
Ms May noted that there are still significant numbers of flu patients, especially at Swindon's Great Western Hospital. "The reduction isn't going to be sharp; it’s gradual," she said.
Strain on resources
Following the junior doctors' strike action before Christmas, Ms May said the NHS in her region had carefully planned to mitigate the impacts, working to ensure people whose appointments were disrupted were rebooked promptly.
She added, “We went into Christmas in a good space, but the New Year has brought a surge in activity through 111, primary care, and hospital admissions.”
Amid pressures on Emergency Departments, she is urging the public to carefully consider their healthcare options this winter before seeking urgent care.
“Think carefully if you can’t get a GP appointment,” she advised, recommending pharmacists, online services, and ensuring homes are stocked with basic medicines such as paracetamol and Calpol.
She also stressed the importance of organising repeat prescriptions to ease the strain on 111 services.
Safety during winter conditions
As frosty and slippery weather conditions persist into January and February, May reminded people to take precautions outdoors.
Falls leading to fractures, particularly hip injuries, remain a concern for overstretched hospitals.
She urged elderly or vulnerable people to seek help to help them avoid slippery conditions.
“If it’s too cold or icy, is there someone who could go out for you instead?” she said, adding: that everyone should "minimise risks and prepare ahead to reduce avoidable hospital visits.”
Helping free up beds
Another key message from Ms May was encouraging families to support loved ones in being discharged from hospital when appropriate.
She emphasised, “Many patients are in a hospital bed when they do not need to be. Families can play a significant role by helping with discharge and providing care at home, with additional support if needed. This helps free up beds for those in critical need.”
Her advice to the public this winter is to take preventative actions, to avoid hospital admissions where possible, and to help alleviate pressures on regional healthcare services.