Find out what you can do to help support your local NHS this winter and ensure you and your community are able to access the care you need.
As temperatures drop our experienced clinicians at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are putting plans in place to make sure we are winter ready. These include:
- Plans to open additional beds at University Hospital of North Tees
- Encouraging all our staff to have their flu and COVID-19 vaccination boosters.
- Making good use of our discharge lounge.
- Working with partner organisations to ensure a smoother transition into social care services.
- Supporting our virtual wards, Hospital at Home and other community services to provide more services closer to home.
How you can help
- Get your flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster if you are eligible.
- Stock up your medicine cabinet – make sure you have the following basics: painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; antihistamines for allergies; antiseptic cream; a laxative to help constipation, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea tablets, indigestion relief remedies and a first aid kit with plasters and bandages.
- Check local news and weather forecasts for advice when bad weather is forecast.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives, especially during periods of adverse weather.
- Order your repeat prescriptions in advance of the festive bank holidays or when you know a spell of bad weather is forecast.
Information for visitors
If you have had sickness, diarrhoea or flu-like symptoms please avoid visiting our hospitals until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.
Know where to go
- If your need is not life threatening, please do not come into A&E without first seeking advice from NHS 111, a pharmacist or your GP.
- For minor illnesses or minor injuries go to your nearest urgent treatment centre.
- For urgent dental advice call 0300 123 1933.
Not sure what to do?
NHS 111 can help if you need urgent medical help or you are not sure what to do. They will ask questions about your symptoms so you get the help you need.
If you need to go to the emergency department or an urgent treatment centre, NHS 111 can book you an arrival time where appropriate so you spend less time waiting.
You can get help from 111.nhs.uk or call 111 24 hours a day, seven days a week.