£1.3 million boost for winter health problems

HEALTH bosses waging a war on winter ailments have been awarded a further £1.3 million to meet extra pressures.

Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group was granted the cash to help support A&E, GPs and other services during the peak in demand.

National body NHS England has awarded a total of £400 million across the country to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and avoidable emergency admissions.

Rotherham CCG chief officer Chris Edwards said: “We are working with our providers to ensure the delivery of safe, quality and effective service for our patients throughout the winter.

“NHS England has recently announced it is to provide additional funding for the NHS to support the effective delivery of local winter plans.”

Mr Edwards, who also chairs the Urgent Care Working Group, added: “We are currently discussing, with our partners, the most effective way to spend our allocation to manage potential increased pressure on services this winter.”

GP and CCG chairman Dr Julie Kitlowski said: “During this busy period, patients choosing the right care for their symptoms is key.

“Most ailments and illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains can be self treated.

“Local pharmacists can help provide advice and over the counter medicines which will help relieve many symptoms.

“You should contact your GP surgery for advice if symptoms are severe or go on for more than a few days.”

Rotherham Hospital chief executive Louise Barnett supported the plea for self-care.

She said: “We are preparing for a very busy few weeks and ask people to work alongside us by making sure they go to the right place for treatment.”

Healthcare options inlcude self-care, the NHS 111 24-hour helpline, pharmacists, GPs and the Rotherham walk-in centre. A&E or 999 should only be used for those who are in need of immediate, life-saving care.