Following five days of industrial action by resident doctors, and as temperatures drop across the North West and pressures rise on the NHS, the public is being urged to continue using services wisely and consider self-care options where appropriate.

With cold weather and winter illnesses such as flu increasing pressure on our hospitals, people are being reminded to ensure they are fully vaccinated where eligible, use NHS 111 online for any urgent medical advice they need, and visit their local pharmacy for advice and treatment of minor ailments.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to every member of NHS staff who has worked tirelessly to maintain as much care as possible for patients during strike action, and to the public for their continued support during this incredibly busy time.

“As we move out of industrial action and into a period of colder weather, we’re asking the public to help us by only accessing the most appropriate service for their needs.

“We need to ensure people are only using A&E for genuine emergencies and life-threatening situations and using NHS 111 online for less urgent health advice. People can use primary care and pharmacies for anything else.

“Remember that pharmacists can provide expert advice and treatment for many common conditions without the need for an appointment.”

This year the NHS is seeing the numbers of people who need hospital care for viruses like flu and other respiratory conditions rise much earlier than in previous years and it is vital people who are eligible ensure they are fully vaccinated as soon as possible to make sure they are protected in time for Christmas, when many people come together in larger groups of friends and family.

Cold and icy weather also brings additional risks for people with long-term health conditions and people who are more vulnerable.

Dr Gregory said: “The flu vaccine is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your families this winter.

“If you’re eligible and not yet had your vaccine, please do book an appointment or find a walk-in site such as a community pharmacy as soon as possible.”

Self-care is another way people can look after themselves and help reduce the pressure on a busy NHS during the winter months. This Self Care Week (17 to 23 November), the NHS is encouraging people to consider that for common conditions like colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, or minor cuts and sprains.

Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you manage minor illnesses at home, avoiding unnecessary trips to GPs or emergency departments.

Local pharmacies can provide quick and convenient expert advice and treatment for minor ailments and can now also give prescription-only medicines for seven common conditions, sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, without the need for a GP appointment.

For non-emergency health concerns, the public is encouraged to use NHS 111 first, available online at 111.nhs.uk, on the NHS App and by calling 111.

The NHS website provides an A-Z guide for managing most conditions at www.nhs.uk. For children’s symptoms, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Trust has developed an online symptom checker for children.

Alternatively, for quick, trusted health advice direct to your mobile phone, follow the new NHS WhatsApp Channel.

To sign up, just search ‘NHS’ under the ‘Updates’ tab in WhatsApp.