Stay well this winter
Winter can be a difficult time for our health, with more flu, colds and other respiratory infections around.
There are simple things you can do to stay well, protect people around you and get the right help if you become unwell.
Please do not visit the hospital if you have a high temperature or are unwell with an infection. If you are feeling unwell before an appointment, please contact the team looking after you for advice.
If you are visiting someone in hospital, please check our latest visitor guidance before you travel.
You can help reduce the spread of infection by:
- washing your hands regularly
- using a face mask (provided at DVH entrance)
- putting used tissues in the bin straight away
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness during winter.
Flu vaccination is available to people who are eligible, including older people, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and children. Check which NHS vaccinations you are eligible for here: Flu vaccination | NHS Kent and Medway
You don't always need to go to A&E.
Different NHS services are available for different health needs.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacy can provide advice and treatment for many common illnesses and conditions. You may not need an appointment. Find a pharmacy near you here: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/pharmacy
GP
Your GP practice can help with a wide range of health problems, including illnesses that are not emergencies and ongoing health conditions. You can usually contact your practice by phone, online or in person. Find your GP practice here: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/general-practice-services
NHS 111 If you need urgent medical help but you're not sure where to go, NHS 111 can help.
You can use NHS 111 online, through the NHS App or by calling 111.
They can assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service.
Urgent Treatment Centre
Urgent Treatment Centres can help with urgent illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening.
This can include things such as sprains, suspected broken bones, cuts and bruises, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Find your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre here: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/urgent-care
A&E
A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies.
If you go to A&E, you will be assessed to make sure the most seriously unwell patients are seen first.
999
Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke or serious accident.
Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and needs immediate
If you are staying in hospital, we will work with you and your family or carers to help you leave hospital safely when you are ready.
Before you leave, make sure you understand:
- what happens next
- any medicines you need
- any follow-up appointments
- who to contact if you have concerns
- how you will get home safely
If you are supporting someone who is ready to leave hospital, please work with the ward team to help make sure they can get home safely.
- Life-threatening emergency: Call 999
- Urgent medical help but you're not sure where to go: Call 111, use 111 online or the NHS App
- Common illness or minor condition: Speak to your pharmacy
- Ongoing or non-emergency health problem: Contact your GP
- Urgent illness or injury that isn't life-threatening: Find your local Urgent Treatment Centre