Health and social care workers across Oxfordshire are preparing for the busy winter months.

The county's hospitals, GP practices, social services, community health services, ambulance services, mental health services, and the voluntary sector are joining forces to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable care for Oxfordshire residents.

The colder temperatures and harsher weather conditions typical of winter, combined with the onset of flu season, contribute to increased demands on GPs and emergency departments.

Lisa Glynn, interim chief operating officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), said: "Winter is the busiest season for health services – as temperatures drop, we see more respiratory illnesses like RSV and, of course, flu."

"The winter team's priority is to ensure that people who need medical treatment are able to access services to get the care they need.

"We all know that, more often than not, treatment closer to home is what’s best for patients."

Emergency departments often see the highest demand in winter.

Ms Glynn added: "We still want people to remember that emergency departments are for genuine emergencies.

"If you need medical help but it’s not urgent, then your local pharmacy, minor injuries unit, or GP will be best placed to help you.

"One of the best ways of keeping yourself and those around you well is to make sure you’re up-to-date with your flu vaccination and covid booster vaccination."

Dr Ed Capo Bianco, an Oxfordshire GP, added: "It is important to keep yourself well this winter."

"Having a personal winter plan might include stocking up on the cold and flu medicines in your medicine cabinet at home."

"If you do fall ill, you can get helpful advice from your local pharmacy or get in touch with 111 online or by phone."

Alongside healthcare, Oxfordshire County Council’s social care team play an integral role in reducing hospital admissions and supporting those who require a hospital admission to get home as quickly as possible.

Karen Fuller, director of adult social care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "If a hospital admission is required, our discharge to assess model is helping to support more people to be discharged faster and safely with additional care arranged for their return home."

Last winter, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) attended more than 216,000 emergency 999 incidents.

Mark Ainsworth, executive director of operations at SCAS, said: "The arrival of winter and cold weather always sees increased pressure on NHS services across the board."

"We will always focus our ambulance teams on our most seriously ill and injured patients – the category one and category two emergencies."

"That’s why we continue to urge the public to only call 999 if you, or someone you’re with, is suffering a life-threatening or serious emergency."