Local NHS teams tackle winter pressures as January brings continued challenges
Healthcare professionals urge public to use services wisely and show kindness
NHS staff are continuing to work through challenging winter pressures as January arrives, with healthcare teams providing vital services around the clock despite the strain of this busy period.
Dr Dan Alton, GP at Twyford Surgery in Berkshire and Chief Clinical Information Officer at Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB), shared insights into the ongoing demands faced by NHS staff, many of whom worked throughout the festive period.
“Winter continues to bring significant pressures for teams working in healthcare," Dr Alton said.
“We are a 24-hour service and people that work in the NHS are worked over Christmas and the New Year, so it is important to look after staff," he added.
Dr Alton also acknowledged that January could feel like a particularly long and difficult month for healthcare teams.
Despite these challenges, Dr Alton praised NHS staff for their dedication and resilience throughout the winter. “We have some fantastic teams in the NHS and some fantastic leaders who are supporting the morale of their teams in the NHS," he added.
Dr Alton highlighted the importance of the public not only using healthcare services appropriately, but also being mindful and respectful when interacting with NHS staff, acknowledging the pressures they currently face.
“When you do see your healthcare professional, bare in mind that these individuals have had a pretty long winter and we’re all working hard to provide a service to keep the country as healthy as possible and on its feet," Dr Alton said.
He also encouraged the use of NHS 111 as a valuable resource for directing people to the most suitable service for their needs, helping to relieve pressure on busy accident and emergency departments.
“Although we do recommend thinking about where you need to go, where is the most appropriate service, 111 is fantastic at directing people to the right service," he said.
In cases of accidents or emergencies, Dr Alton reminded the public that hospital emergency departments will continue to be there for urgent care.
He said: “The A&E team is working very, very hard to keep things going in A&E. If you need it, then it's there."