I am aware that many of you will be concerned with regard to health, care and cost of living at present and the information set out below provides some advice, information and guidance that we would encourage you to share with your residents:
IOW NHS Trust
As you will no doubt be aware, the IOW NHS Trust is under extreme pressure.
Please can you share these messages with your residents:
St Mary’s Hospital is currently full. People are waiting a long time in the Emergency Department.
Here’s what we can all do to help:
- Families and loved ones are being asked to support by collecting patients from the hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged.
- If you think you need A&E, please call 111 or got to https://111.nhs.uk/ first
- If you need help with something minor, speak to a pharmacist or contact your GP if it’s not urgent and can wait.
- For life-threatening emergencies call 999.
- Stay away from the hospital if you have symptoms or are in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Please also support by sharing social media messages:
Cost of Living crisis
IW Council have added content to our beta website to support all Islanders with the cost of living crisis.
It aims to signpost people to the trusted source of information. There is bound to be more support out there and the content will change over time. Please contact digitalcontent@iow.gov.uk if you have information that you think should be added.
We know that many people who have never needed support before will need it this winter. Not all support is means tested; there is support for everyone, whether it’s going to the community pantry, talking to Citizens Advice or the Footprint Trust or going to a warm space.
A wider campaign to draw people’s attention to what’s available on the Island has begun and will continue through the winter months.
COVID-19
COVID cases are on the rise and we continue to keep reminding people of the safe behaviours that will protect our community. A media release was sent last week. Please share this Facebook post or Tweet if you are able to.
Our local COVID-19 information is now on iow.gov.uk/COVID-19.
The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available to people aged 50 and over. For the COVID-19 vaccine, people can wait to hear from their GP, book an appointment online or by calling 119 or attend a walk-in. Pop up walk-in clinics are listed on this NHS website.
Residents should contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline on 0300 561 0018 if they need further information. It is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm at weekends.
