Professor Jane Eddleston, Greater Manchester medical executive lead for acute care said:
“Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly over the last couple of days to make sure that care could be given to all those who needed it; and I’d like to thank them for what they have done and continue to do so. I also want to express our appreciation to the public for their support in choosing the right health and care service when looking for help and support.
“We continue to ask people in Greater Manchester to play their part by enjoying the festive season sensibly and wherever possible, practicing self-care; using their local pharmacy; avoiding mixing with flu and Covid like symptoms and using NHS 111 Online for advice. Small actions that everyone can take such as keeping A&E for emergencies and serious accidents only and helping get a loved-one home from hospital do make a difference.
“Like other parts of the country, the NHS and local care services remain under significant pressure and with cases of flu increasing, we are seeing this reflected in our health and care settings with a sharp rise in people ill enough to require hospital admission. Getting a flu vaccine or Covid booster remains the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and hospitalisation during winter.
“Flu can cause severe illness and I would strongly urge people to take up the offer of vaccination if they have not done so already and to speak to a professional if they have any concerns. Make it your New Year’s resolution to book a jab for you and all the family.
“As we approach the end of 2022, I want to reassure the public that the NHS will be there for them when they need it and advise people to seek help if it is an emergency or life-threatening. If it is not urgent, there are a number of alternatives available for the public and NHS 111 can help you get to know where to go if you aren’t sure. May I take this opportunity to wish people in Greater Manchester a happy and peaceful New Year.”
