The NHS is preparing for winter across Bucks amid a predicted rise in illnesses in the colder months in a bid to ease the strain on the county’s hospitals. 

With a growing and ageing population, the NHS is seeing and treating more people than ever and in the winter, flu, norovirus and respiratory problems could mean more frail and vulnerable people could be admitted to hospital - putting greater strain on resources. 

Hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies, community health services, social care and charities are steeling themselves for the winter ahead and have released vital information to help ward off common illnesses before they become more serious. 

The Stay Well this Winter campaign is urging people to get the flu vaccination - amid news that more vaccines than ever are being given out to keep people well and to curb the spread of illness. 

As well as elderly residents, the jab is being given to at-risk groups including school children, care home residents and frontline health and care staff. 

Pharmacists are also on hand to give advice at the first sign of illness. 

At a special winter briefing on Monday, Dr Dal Sahota, NHS Aylesbury Vale and Chiltern Clinical Commissioning Groups director for unplanned acute care, advised residents to fill their prescriptions and make sure they have essential medicines ahead of predicted spells of bad weather and before the Christmas bank holiday. 

She also urged people to save A&E for serious conditions and called on people to check on their elderly or infirm friends and neighbours. 

She said: “We have been working hard to prepare for the winter months and as the weather gets colder, we are confident that we will be providing our population with robust, reliable services that will be there when they need them.” 

She encouraged residents to use services like NHS Choices and NHS 111 for advice on the best course of action for illnesses or injury. 

A service called Health Help Now can also guide people on the most appropriate health service options in the county.