The region’s health leaders are urging the public to support local services as the NHS works through what is expected to be the busiest week of the year.
Photo courtesy of the RUH
The first week of January is traditionally a time of significantly increased demand across health and care services.
This winter, high numbers of people catching flu mean the start of 2026 is likely to be among the most challenging periods in recent years.
To help the NHS prioritise people in urgent need – such as those with chest pains, loss of consciousness or severe bleeding – the public is being asked to “choose right” when seeking help.
Using the most appropriate service, and remembering that most seasonal illnesses – including mild flu – can be safely treated at home, will ease pressure on emergency departments and ambulance crews and help ensure that patients in life-threatening conditions are seen without delay.
Even those who are well can play their part by practising good hand hygiene to help stop the spread of flu, norovirus and Covid-19, and by helping loved ones home from hospital when they are ready for discharge.
Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Our local NHS runs on a combination of robust planning and sheer resilience, and while we do all we can behind the scenes to keep services running, it’s the support of the public that can turn a very challenging situation into something much more manageable.
“There are so many health and care options available now, most of which can be accessed in seconds through either a smartphone or tablet, and we need these to be people’s first port of call whenever it is they feel that help is needed.
“By using NHS 111 online, or looking at the extensive health and care advice that’s listed on the NHS website, people can get instant answers to the questions they may have about managing their condition safely and effectively at home.
“Both options are available 24/7, and both will always signpost people to in-person help whenever appropriate, so no patients using these will ever fall through the cracks and be left without the care that’s right for them.”
NHS 111 online is available at www.111.nhs.uk, with further health advice at www.nhs.uk.
Minor illness and injury advice is also available from more than 130 community pharmacies across the region, all now back to normal opening hours after Christmas and New Year.
Pharmacists can provide private consultations, practical advice, treatment options and, when appropriate, medicines including antibiotics for common conditions.
People facing a genuine emergency or life-threatening situation are reminded they should never hesitate to go to their nearest emergency department or call 999.
