‘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 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 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.

“A really important part of our approach is home first – supporting people to stay well in their own homes, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and helping people to return home safely and promptly once they no longer need hospital care.

“Hospital isn’t always the best place for recovery, and we know that the majority of people would prefer to be looked after in or near their own homes whenever possible.”

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

Britta Klinck, 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 Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer at Thames Valley Integrated Care Board, added: “Staying well this winter starts with preparation. Make sure you’re up-to-date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and 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 medications 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.

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

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, cabinet member for adults at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “In some instances, taking action now to stay well throughout the winter is the best medicine. We would recommend residents take a look at Live Well Oxfordshire to see what groups are available in their local communities to help combat loneliness and isolation or provide support with a health condition. There is also the new and very informative Falls Prevention website, with lots of advice on how to stay on your feet, especially in the winter when paths are wet and icy.

“However, anyone can pick up a bug that hits harder than expected. When that happens, we work alongside local voluntary and community partners to get people home at the right time, help them regain independence quickly, and avoid long-term care. Recovery can be better when people are surrounded by their own things and stay connected to family and friends.

“All these measures can reduce the number and length of hospital stays which is 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 who are best placed to support people in the community, 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.

Paul Jefferies, Divisional Director of Operations, South Central Ambulance Service, NHS Foundation Trust, 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.