'Team Oxfordshire' united in tackling winter pressures across health and social care services

As the colder months approach, health and social care partners across Oxfordshire are once again coming together as ‘Team Oxfordshire’ to prepare for and respond to the growing pressures that winter brings.

Teams from across the county’s hospitals, GP practices, adult social care, mental health services, ambulance services, community health services, and the voluntary and community sector are working together to keep services running smoothly, and ensure people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Winter brings additional challenges each year, including a rise in respiratory illnesses, flu and COVID-19, and worsening health conditions caused by colder weather. 

Felicity Taylor-Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We know that winter is always a demanding time for our services, but the reality is that these pressures are now being felt all year-round. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to build on the strong partnership working that happens across Oxfordshire every day.

"Our Home First approach remains central – supporting people to stay well in their own homes, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and helping patients to return home safely and promptly when hospital care is no longer needed. Hospital is not always the best place for recovery, and we know that most people prefer to be cared for in or near their own homes wherever possible."

The public is also being urged to consider the most appropriate service for their needs. Emergency Departments should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies. For other health concerns, local pharmacies, GPs, Minor Injury Units, and NHS 111 online are all available to help.

Angie Fletcher, Deputy Chief Nurse at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Looking after your physical and mental health is more important than ever during the winter months. Our teams are continuing to support people through community physical health and mental health services – whether that’s via our eight community hospitals, mental health helpline, or in people’s homes through our district nursing and school health teams.

"We’re also reminding people that help for mental health is available 24/7 through the Oxfordshire NHS Mental Health Helpline, accessible via NHS 111 online, and through Oxfordshire Talking Therapies.”

Dr Ben Riley, GP and Chief Medical Officer at BOB ICB, added: “Staying well this winter starts with preparation.  Make sure you’re up-to-date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and also, if you’re eligible, a vaccination for a respiratory bug called RSV which can cause coughs and chest infections. If you live with a long-term condition such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure, please make sure you take your preventative medicines and attend your review appointments when they are due, so you are in the best shape to fight off any winter infections.”

If you do become unwell and are generally fit and healthy, many local pharmacies are now able to give you effective treatments without the need to see a GP, including treatments for common winter health conditions including earache, sinusitis, sore throat and straightforward urinary tract infections. Find out if your pharmacy offers these Pharmacy First services.

Health and social care partners are also working closely to support people outside of hospital settings.

Karen Fuller, Director of Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Helping people regain independence quickly and avoid long-term care is at the heart of our Oxfordshire Way approach. Through our discharge to assess model, residents can return home from hospital sooner and with the right support in place.

“This benefits hospitals by reducing unnecessary stays, but more importantly, it means people are recovering in familiar surroundings and staying connected to their communities.

“It’s all part of the Oxfordshire Way: our vision for supporting residents to live well and independently for as long as possible. By working alongside local voluntary and community partners, we’re making personalised, close-to-home support possible.”

The South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is also playing a vital role in the system-wide response to winter pressures.

Duncan Robertson, Chief Paramedic at SCAS, said: "Demand for 111 and 999 services always increases through winter. We’re asking people to help us, help everyone, by making the best use of the options available. Using 111 online , if you can, helps us answer the phones faster for those who need to call us. 

“Our 999 teams are always available, but should only be used for life-threatening emergencies like serious road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks. We really appreciate the public’s support in helping us prioritise the most urgent cases.”

Working together as Team Oxfordshire

All health and care organisations in Oxfordshire are committed to working together through this winter and beyond. By sharing information, resources, and expertise, ‘Team Oxfordshire’ is delivering joined-up care and supporting people to stay healthy and well this winter.