Help us to help you this New Year says Dr Kate Clark, who is Medical Director at Southport hospital

People are being asked play their part supporting local NHS staff as they enter their busiest time of the year.

Dr Kate Clark, who is Executive Medical Director at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, said the fast spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant was creating extra pressure across the NHS.

“Winter is always a challenging time for our hospitals and this year is no exception.

“Our staff are working hard to maintain emergency care and urgent cancer treatments as well as routine and planned care.

“As we start the New Year, we need patients and their families to help us to help you. We need your support helping us maintain our hospital services and getting us all safely through the winter.”

This includes:

• Supporting the return home of patients who have completed their treatment and are ready to leave hospital. This will ensure there are beds available to support the anticipated surge in Covid-19 patients in the New Year
• Consulting the NHS111 website first when you have an urgent health need. It will point you to the most appropriate health care service, which may include A&E
• Getting vaccinated – this remains our strongest defence against Covid-19 and the impact of flu