Press release: Trust launches Wise Up For Winter campaign

‘Be prepared and stay safe’ is the message being driven home by the region’s ambulance service in its winter campaign.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has launched ‘Wise Up For Winter’ today (10^th November), promoting various health related topics to help the public stay safe and well this winter.

The advice aims to help people meet winter head-on, learn to be prepared, to save lives, keep an eye on those who might need some extra help, and spread the word about using NHS services in the best way possible. Throughout the winter months it will offer advice on walking and driving safely, how to cope with the colds and flu, what to keep at home for treating minor illnesses, and when you should be calling 111, visiting your GP or pharmacist.

Tracy Nicholls, Director of Clinical Quality for EEAST, said: “This winter we want everyone to be prepared, stay safe and well and enjoy the season.

“It’s also an incredibly busy time for the ambulance service so we’re urging people to look after their health, to help reduce the chances that they will need to call us and above all choose the right service for your needs – be that 111, your GP, local minor injuries unit or pharmacist. Hopefully our advice through our Wise Up For Winter campaign will help people stay safe and lessen the demand on the ambulance service.”

People can access advice at www.eastamb.nhs.uk and can help spread the vital health messages with friends and family who may not be online.  You can find EEAST on Facebook and follow on Twitter using #winterwise to keep up to date with the winter tips. We will be running a series of Twitterthons from our control rooms and frontline ambulances. Plus blogs, short videos, general advice and directions to information about staying well.

Published 10th November 2014