Winter pressures

A few days off this week and then back in for a  Learning Development Review shift with one of our Learning Development Officers.

All clinical staff will be observed once a year during a operational shift to highlight any development needs, check their driving meets the required standard and to give the staff member the chance to ask questions or go through things they may not be sure of . This is in addition to the day in the classroom we receive each year. Pleased to say my day went OK!

This week has seen continued pressures on the NHS as a whole and the recent cold weather has added to the  demand on services. Locally we were lucky with just low temperatures but no laying snow.
The term" winter pressures" is used to describe the spike in demand at this time of year, however  as call volumes increase , hospital admissions increase and social care come under increasing pressure it seems that it is almost year round pressures with no let up. When I started in the ambulance service almost twenty years ago you almost map the spikes in demand around holiday periods, bank holidays and special events. This is not the case now as the statistics show a continual rise in demand.

Is there a magic cure for this? Does more money need to be spent? Do the public need educating? do we all need to take more responsibility for our own well being and health care? Yes is the answer to all of those questions, however it will take time to implement changes and even longer to see actual differences.

All I and my colleagues in the health care profession can ask is that you do think about what is the best course of action if you are unwell, who do you contact, can you self medicate with over the counter medications? Can 111 help you with advice ? Can the pharmacist help you, what about a practice nurse? Can you be seen at a drop in clinic or minor injuries unit? Do you need to be seen by a GP? Do you need to go to a emergency department, do you need an ambulance?  As you can see there are a large number of people and facilities available to you when you are unwell or need health care advice. Please choose well and use the most appropriate for your needs.






Stay safe