With temperatures reaching below freezing and the possibility for widespread snow and ice during Thursday and Friday of this week across southern parts of the country people are being reminded of the care that is available.

Oxfordshire CCG is advising people on ways to ‘stay well this winter’ as the number of people being admitted to A&E is likely to increase significantly over the next few days due to the severe weather and pressure on services increases.

The severe weather can affect anyone but it increases risks to older people. It is important for people to keep warm and well in winter. As we get older, it takes longer for us to warm up which can be bad for our health.

Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:

• If you're not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C (65F)
  
  
• Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window close
  
  
• Draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
  
  
• Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives

Getting the right care:

People are reminded that if you, or someone you care for, is feeling unwell, there are a number of ways to get the right care:

• Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common winter illness and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest
  
  
• You don’t need an appointment to see a pharmacist and most pharmacies have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention
  
  
• Your doctor’s surgery can advise on most health conditions. Out of hours/NHS 111 service is an excellent first point of call for medical advice
  
  
• Download Oxfordshire CCG’s ‘Health and Care Oxfordshire’ app to your smart phone to find health services closest to where you are in Oxfordshire 
  
  
• Emergency Departments (A&E) and the emergency ambulance service provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. In these cases call 999 immediately.
  
  Please visit NHS Choices to find local health services see here or Oxfordshire CCG website see here for more information on local health services