HEALTH services across Swindon and Wiltshire are facing high demand this week.

Frontline teams are struggling to deal with the number of patients, which is leading to longer waits for care and stressful shifts for staff working around the clock to not only look after those coming into hospital but also ensure those ready to leave can do so quickly and safely.

The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board is appealing for the public to play a part in easing demand on these medical professionals.

The board is asking people across the south-west region to help ease the pressure by choosing the most appropriate healthcare service if they need help.

The advice is that most minor health concerns can be managed effectively at home through rest and with the help of over-the-counter medicine, as well as seeking advice from digital health services such as NHS 111 and the NHS website.

Chief medical officer Dr Amanda Webb said: “The last few days have been incredibly busy for health and care services in our region.

“Demand for urgent and emergency care has been much higher than we would normally expect for this time of year and while many of those coming to hospital have a genuine need to do so, some patients could find more appropriate help from elsewhere.

“As we go into this weekend, we kindly ask that any person who finds themselves in need of help takes a few moments to think about what service is right for them, as automatically visiting hospital or calling 999 is not always the best course of action.

“Often, people can get the help they need from within their own home, with the help of a trained pharmacist or through NHS 111, and we would very much encourage our local public to bear these options in mind over the next few days.”

As well as taking steps to avoid visits to hospital, people can support their local NHS by helping friends and loved-ones return home after a stay on a ward.

Simple actions - such as offering lifts, collecting medicine and ensuring a person’s home is fit for their return - can help speed up the hospital discharge process which can then help new patients in need of a hospital bed to be admitted quicker.

For more information on health and care services, and staying well at home, visit www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk