Clinical Commissioning Group Governing Body Paper Summary Sheet Date of Meeting: 24 November 2015

Transcription

1 Clinical Commissioning Group Governing Body Paper Summary Sheet Date of Meeting: 24 November 2015 For: PUBLIC session PRIVATE Session For: Decision Discussion Noting Agenda Item and title: Author: GOV/15/11/21 Joint Winter Communications Plan Sarah MacLennan, Associate Director of Communications and Engagement Lead Director/GP from CCG: Executive summary: Evidence in support of arguments: Who has been involved/contributed: Cross Reference to Strategic Objectives: David Noyes, Director of Planning, Performance and Corporate Services The attached plan informs the Governing Body of the planned communications activities developed to protect the public and mitigate against expected pressures within the health system this winter. This winter communications plan has been drawn up to co-ordinate the work and use the influence of Wiltshire s combined public services to effectively improve health outcomes over the winter months. The plan outlines how Wiltshire CCG and Public Health at Wiltshire Council are working together to support the national Stay well this Winter campaign and, through localised marketing and PR initiatives to the public, health professionals and staff, are protecting the health and wellbeing of people this winter. Local communications activity will support national activity and target individuals with long-term health conditions and their carers, those over 65, pregnant women and parents of under fives. In addition, localised plans will look to target those working and caring for people in a care home setting. Both the national and local plans aim to ensure that people who are most at-risk of preventable emergency admission to hospital are aware of and, wherever possible, are motivated to take actions that may avoid admission this winter. The Winter Communications Plan provides a comprehensive single document for strategy and action. The CCG Communications Team has worked with Wiltshire Council Public Health team and the plan has evolved with contributions from members of the Joint Commissioning Board. The report contributes to all strategic objectives. 1

2 Engagement and Involvement: Communications Issues: Financial Implications: Members of the Joint Commissioning Board and Health Watch have been involved in the development of the plan, and it was also discussed at the CCG s Stakeholder Assembly on 5 November The plan has been shared with neighbouring CCGs in Swindon and B&NES, the communications teams at RUH, GWH and SFT and the communications team at NHS England. Elements of the winter communications plan will be made publicly available via radio, print and web-based channels. The plan is not exempt under FOI Wiltshire CCG has invested a non recurrent budget of 25,000 for localised air time and exposure across digital platforms above that planned by NHS England and PHE. Review arrangements: Risk Management: National Policy/ Legislation: Equality & Diversity: Other External Assessment: What specific action do you wish the Governing Body to take? The Winter Communications Plan is iterative and will be reviewed and updated on a monthly basis. The Plan contributes to risk management arrangements. The Plan incorporates information on compliance with the NHS Constitution. The Plan has no negative E&D impact This Plan will contribute to external assessments. To receive and note the Winter Communications Plan. 2

3 WILTSHIRE CCG AND WILTSHIRE COUNCIL JOINT COMMUNICATIONS APPROACH TO WINTER Strategy For Wiltshire CCG and Wiltshire Council to work in collaboration to support the national Stay well this Winter campaign by delivering the key messages described below, through all available channels. To develop localised collateral and to support the campaign through localised marketing and PR initiatives. Audiences The national campaign will focus on individuals with long-term health conditions and their carers, those over 65, pregnant women and parents of under five s. In addition, our localised plans will look to target those working and caring for people in a care home setting. National marketing objective To ensure that people who are most at-risk of preventable emergency admission to hospital are aware of and, wherever possible, are motivated to take, those actions that may avoid admission this winter. National key messages The messages recommended in the campaign focus on those actions that are most likely to prevent an emergency admission, for example: Taking up the offer of flu vaccination Self-care - using over-the-counter medicines and pharmacy as a first point of call For people who have long-term conditions, seeking prompt medical attention, so that minor illnesses do not escalate to the point where hospitalisation is necessary Keeping homes warm in cold weather Avoiding falls (for example by stocking up on food and medicines so that it is not necessary to go outside in icy conditions) Avoiding A&E except for emergencies (utilising pharmacies and calling NHS 111 if in doubt) Primary Messages Winter can be seriously bad for our health but there a number of things you can do to keep you and your family well this winter. Visit for helpful tips and advice Being prepared for the cold weather can help make you less vulnerable to illnesses that are more common in winter Winter can be particularly serious for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term health conditions

4 Don t put off getting the flu vaccination. If you re eligible get it now. It s free because you need it It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Heat your home to at least 18 C (65 F), if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer If you start to feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, don t wait until it gets worse, seek immediate advice and help from your pharmacist. The sooner you get advice the better pharmacists are here to help you stay well this winter Make sure you speak to your pharmacists about medicines you should have in stock to help get you and your family through the winter season If you ve been prescribed antibiotics or other medication, make sure you take them as directed and pick up any prescription medicines before Christmas Eve. Older neighbours, relatives and friends may need a bit of extra help this winter so make sure you keep in touch, check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up of food supplies and make sure they have the necessary medication before Christmas Eve or a spell of bad weather If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit who can direct you to a local service that is open The Stay Well This Winter campaign can help you prepare for winter. Visit for more information

5 Secondary Messages The flu vaccination is particularly important for those who are at increased risk from the effects of flu, these include people aged 65 and over, young children, pregnant women and those with long term health conditions Flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and can be deadly for people with long-term conditions and/or over 65 It is vital that those who are eligible have the flu vaccine every year as the vaccine protects against different strains of flu which can change and/or evolve each year Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes but there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems and make us more vulnerable to illnesses that are more common in winter The elderly can be more vulnerable over winter but there are a few easy things you can do to help the elderly in your community Stay Well This Winter Keeping warm over winter can help prevent illness. As well as trying to keep your home at 18 C (65 F), if you can, keep your bedroom window closed on cold nights, keep active when you are indoors, where several layers of light clothes, check your heating and appliances are safe and make sure you re receiving all the help to heat your home that you are entitled to Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action if you start to feel unwell For minor common ailments, such as cold, sore throats, coughs and earaches can t be treated by antibiotics. The best thing to do is to speak to your pharmacist who can advise the best medication, drink

6 lots of fluids, rest and make sure you are having at least one hot meal a day A third of elderly people never or only occasionally socialise with family or friends. As a result, they can be slow to seek help and once ill, often get too unwell. Keeping an eye out for elderly relatives and neighbours and supporting them in the cold weather can help them Stay Well This Winter Key messages around the flu vaccination Flu vaccine is still the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus which can cause severe illness and deaths each year among at-risk groups, The flu vaccine reduces risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk

7 Key messages for pregnant women Key messages for people aged 65 and over The nasal spray vaccination is a quick, painless and effective way for children aged 2-4 to be protected from flu without the need for injections For the first time, all our youngest primary school children will be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine, making this the largest school-based vaccination programme ever in England involving children in around 17,000 schools. If you are pregnant you are at greater risk of complications if you catch flu. The flu vaccination is free because you need it Even healthy children can get flu and it can be unpleasant. They have the same symptoms as adults including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu such bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment. i If you are pregnant, you are eligible for the flu vaccination free of charge. It s free because you need it The flu vaccine reduces the risk of complications for both you and your baby if you catch the flu Ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu jab Pregnancy naturally weakens the body s immune system and as a result you may be less able to fight off infections, increasing the risk of becoming ill as a result of flu Flu immunisation can take place at any stage of pregnancy. Flu immunisation is safe in pregnancy and offers important protection when your immune system is weakened You can help protect yourself against flu by getting the jab. Ask your GP or pharmacist for details It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Heat your home to at least 18 C (65 F), if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer Keeping warm over winter can help prevent illness. As well as trying to keep your home at 18 C (65 F), keep your bedroom windows closed on cold nights, keep active when you are indoors, wear several layers of light clothes, check your heating cooker, and other fossil fuel burning appliances checked to be sure they re working properly and

8 not giving off dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide and make sure you re receiving all the help to heat your home that you are entitled to If you start to feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, don t wait until it gets worse, seek immediate advice and help from your pharmacist. The sooner you get advice the better pharmacists are here to help you stay well this winter. If you can t get to the pharmacy yourself, ask if someone can take you Make sure you get your prescription medicines before Christmas Eve If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit who can direct you to a local service that is open The Stay Well This Winter campaign can help you prepare for winter. Visit for more information Key messages for parents Flu can be serious for young children but you can make sure they stay well this winter The flu vaccination will help protect your child from flu and also reduce the chance of flu spreading to others If you have children aged two, three or four they are eligible for a free flu vaccination. Don t put it off. If you have children in school years 1 and 2 they are eligible for a free flu vaccination. Don t put it off. You can help protect your children from flu with one simple nasal spray The nasal spray vaccination is free, fast and painless and available to children aged 2, 3 and 4 and in school years 1 and 2. It s important to protect your little ones from flu and the vaccination is available free on the NHS Everyday items at home and in public places can easily become contaminated with the flu virus, so it's important to wash your and your child s hands frequently It is also important to regularly clean surfaces such as your computer keyboard, telephone and door handles to get rid of germs which can be passed on to your little ones Make sure you put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible

9 Keeping your children warm over winter can help prevent illness. As well as trying to keep your home at 18 C (65 F), keep your bedroom windows closed on cold nights, keep active when you are indoors, where several layers of light clothes, check your heating and appliances are safe and make sure you re receiving all the help to heat your home that you are entitled to If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit who can direct you to a local service that is open Key messages for grandparents of children aged two to four and in school years 1 and 2 Key messages for those with long term health conditions If you have grandchildren aged two, three or four, or in school years one or two, they are eligible for a free flu vaccination. The flu vaccination will help protect your grandchildren from flu and also reduce the chance of spreading flu to others, including grandparents. If you have a long-term health condition, such as asthma, heart disease or a respiratory illness such as COPD, even one that is well managed, you are eligible for the flu vaccination free of charge. It s free because you need it Flu can make the effects of your existing condition worse and makes complications like pneumonia more likely You can help protect yourself against flu by getting the jab. Ask your GP or pharmacist for details Running out of prescription medication during the winter holidays can be a serious problem. Make sure you get your prescription medicines before December 24 and take medication as directed If you start to feel unwell, seek advice from your pharmacist immediately as they are best placed to recommend the right course of

10 action If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit who can direct you to a local service that is open The Stay Well This Winter campaign can help you prepare for winter. Visit more information Key messages for carers Key messages around NHS Older neighbours, relatives and friends may need a bit of extra help this winter so make sure you keep in touch, check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up of food supplies and make sure they have the necessary medication before Christmas Eve or a spell of bad weather Check that they have taken up the offer of a free flu vaccination Keeping warm over winter can help prevent illness. Older people find it harder to know how cold they are so if you are looking after someone elderly or with a long-term health condition, check they are keeping their home at 18 C (65 F) and help them with other ways to keep warm, such as wearing several layers of thin clothes At the first sign of illness, make sure they seek advice from their pharmacist immediately as they are best placed to recommend the right course of action If you are caring for someone with a long term health condition you ll know that running out of their prescription medication can be a serious problem Make sure they re receiving all the help to heat your home that they are entitled. Find out more here: The Stay Well This Winter campaign can help you prepare for winter. Visit more information If you are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may be eligible for the free flu jab. Just speak to your GP. The NHS has pulled out all the stops to prepare for this winter. We are determined to protect the good standards of service that patients deserve, despite the very considerable pressures we anticipate over

11 investment the winter months The Stay Well This Winter national campaign will start earlier than in previous years (October) and it is hoped that a higher proportion of NHS trusts and local authorities will join up their local activity with the national effort We are also encouraging a wider range of partners such as pharmacy chains and over the counter medicine brands to support the campaign Key messages around A&E A&E departments are there for life-threatening emergencies. But if you re not sure whether it is an emergency, call 111 first. Call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but it s not life threatening or you re not sure where to go, a 111 adviser will assess you and direct you to the best placed service in your area. This campaign is not just about A&E it is about every part of the system This campaign is not about stopping those who need urgent medical attention to go to A&E but about helping at-risk groups stay well and ward off common winter illnesses before it becomes more serious and a hospital stay is needed Additional local messages Key message Supporting messages Target audience Eat well Food is a vital source of energy, which helps you keep your body warm. Try to make Particularly older people and sure that you have regular hot meals and drinks. parents of young children Keep active Get prescriptions before 24 December Do you want to improve your health and make positive life changes? Find out more about our community Health Trainers. If the weather prevents you from going for a walk try to keep active indoors. Or find out more about Get Wiltshire Walking or what s happening at your local leisure centre GPs are likely to be particularly busy before Christmas and may be closed for four days between 25 Dec and 28 Dec. Don t wait until the Christmas holiday to get repeat Particularly older people Particularly with long term health conditions

12 Find out where your local minor injuries unit is Learn more about norovirus and how to help ease your symptoms. Keep warm and safe Help your neighbours and relatives prescriptions or talk to your GP about a long standing problem. Visiting your local unit may be quicker than visiting A&E. Contact the NHS 111 service to seek advice about which service you need. Find out more at If you have norovirus stay at home norovirus is contagious and there s nothing your GP can do while you have it. Contact your GP to seek advice if your symptoms last longer than a few days or if you already have a serious illness or poor health. If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 180C Concerned about an elderly friend or relative this winter struggling to keep their home warm? Contact Warm & Safe on A Winter Fuel Payment of between 100 and 300 is available if you were born before July 5th A Cold Weather Payment may be available to you if you receive certain benefits. Payments are made when your local temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an overage 0oC or below over seven consecutive days Protect yourself from trips and falls by making your home safe. Make sure you have: Checked that smoke alarms are working. Installed an audible carbon monoxide alarm in each room that has a gas appliance or solid fuel fire. Checked your electric blanket is safe You may be eligible for a Home Fire Safety Check from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service Visit or call family or friends if they are on their own, especially during extended periods of cold weather Those who are lonely over Christmas can contact Wiltshire Good Neighbours on Those struggling to keep their house warm can contact Warm & Safe on Particularly adults who do not have an underlying health condition and parents Adults in good health who do not have an underlying health condition and parents of older children Vulnerable groups All groups

13 National tactics that will impact locally Leaflet drop Targeting 11.5m people (older / at risk people in C2D groups) limited reach in Wiltshire Paid for print, TV and radio advertising In addition to National TV, radio and print advertising local stay well advertising is planned for Heart South West, Salisbury Journal, Swindon Advertiser, Wiltshire Gazette and Herald and the Wiltshire Times. Social media National paid for Facebook ads targeting campaign audiences with stay well messages. There is the possibility that Wiltshire residents may be exposed to national messages through social. Pharmacy packs 8.25 million pharmacy packs distributed nationally limited reach (Trowbridge, Devizes, Salisbury, Tidworth). 6 sheet poster sites To be co-located near to pharmacies details of poster sites yet to be published. Localised tactics Press releases - Three press releases to be drafted and issued on flu, stay well this winter, and access to care over the Christmas period. Broadcast interviews Interviews to be pitched to local broadcast media including BBC Radio Wiltshire and Spire FM. Posters/leaflets GP surgeries National creative used and localised, issued as a PDF via Care homes - National creative not available therefore access to care poster and leaflet created in house using national assets. Poster and leaflet issued as a PDF via Care agencies - National creative not available therefore access to care poster and leaflet created in house using national assets. Poster and leaflet issued as a PDF via Medvivo Access to care poster and leaflet drafted and made available as a PDF via Acute hospitals National creative used and localised, issued as a PDF via together with bespoke access to care leaflet and poster issued as a PDF Libraries - National creative used and localised, issued as a PDF via Schools - National creative used and localised, issued as a PDF via . Delivered via Wiltshire Council

14 Housing Association - National creative used and localised, issued as a PDF via , delivered to Aster Living Paid for adverts/advertorials Spire FM Airtime purchased and national creative used with localised messages scripted by CCG Local print National print adverts are running for one week only. If budget allows purchase additional space during the campaign period. Parish Council magazines/newsletters Using national creative develop a print advert and accompanying editorial for inclusion in local parish newsletters and magazine. Radio campaign Bespoke localised radio campaign that uses traditional airtime in addition to, sponsorship, online and in-app and DAX channels. Creative developed by Global and scripted by the CCG. Community Radio stations: Localised messages scripted by CCG to be forwarded for discretionary use and offer of follow up interviews where possible Social media (organic only) Twitter Key national messages and local messages pushed via Twitter. National content plan not yet available. Pharmacy opening times to also be promoted once available. Wiltshire Council has collated a number of key winter messages to push out via Twitter on a number of areas of its work including warm and safe, adult social care, emergency planning, public health and public protection Facebook Local and national content to support the stay well this winter campaign to be pushed. Pharmacy opening times to also be promoted once available Podcast/online video Wiltshire Council have agreed to develop a podcast/online video containing national and localised winter messages delivered by officers and key partners, including GPs. To be hosted on YouTube and link placed on websites. Infographic - Infographic showing options for access to care during Christmas period developed locally and pushed out via social.

15 GP telephone answerphones: Recorded message used during Out of Hours will signpost people to alternative options as well as 111 and 999 Website Campaign page Specific Stay Well this Winter campaign page developed and linked to source information on the CCG website. To also include local press releases and localised consumer posters and pharmacy opening times. CCG home page - Banner changed to display national creative, press releases added under news along with pharmacy opening times Wiltshire Council home page to include news headlines advertising winter messages Your Care Your Support website to include key messages for vulnerable groups and carers Wiltshire CCG Intranet Page to be added which includes an overview of the national campaign and outlines the local plans to support the stay well this winter campaign. All local collateral to be uploaded. Practice Managers to be made aware of the resource. Wiltshire Council Intranet to carry key messages to staff which will be further promoted through the Electric Wire. 14 Days - Article developed by the CCG that includes key national messages and explains local communication plans. Community First (links into other voluntary groups) - National creative used and localised, posters and leaflets issued as a PDF via Age UK (Befrienders service) - National creative used and localised, posters and leaflets issued as a PDF via

16 What can the Access to Care Team help me with? What can the Access to Care Team help me with? The Access to Care team will help you to navigate the following services available in Wiltshire: The Access to Care team will help you to navigate the following services available in Wiltshire: All referrals to Community Teams Nursing, therapy and health related Help To Live At Home domiciliary care Urgent care and help to home Urgent domiciliary social care delivered in the patient s home for up to 72 hours. Access to urgent respite care Health care professional line Access for healthcare staff to medical advice in the out of hours service, without being triaged through NHS 111 pathways Intermediate care A new service including access to step-up beds Discharge to assess A new seven day service that will enable earlier supported discharge from hospital once the patient is medically stable - providing assessment and extra support after discharge from all three district acute hospitals and established community wards Home from hospital Short-term aftercare services - such as shopping, making the house warm - provided by a member of the voluntary sector for people returning home from hospital End of life Access to extended services provided by all three hospices in Wiltshire All referrals to Community Teams Nursing, therapy and health related Help To Live At Home domiciliary care Urgent care and help to home Urgent domiciliary social care delivered in the patient s home for up to 72 hours. Access to urgent respite care Health care professional line Access for healthcare staff to medical advice in the out of hours service, without being triaged through NHS 111 pathways Intermediate care A new service including access to step-up beds Discharge to assess A new seven day service that will enable earlier supported discharge from hospital once the patient is medically stable - providing assessment and extra support after discharge from all three district acute hospitals and established community wards Home from hospital Short-term aftercare services - such as shopping, making the house warm - provided by a member of the voluntary sector for people returning home from hospital End of life Access to extended services provided by all three hospices in Wiltshire Acute Trust Hospital Liaison (ATL) The in reach service of Access to Care - facilitating the transfer of patients out of an acute hospital at the earliest possible opportunity Acute Trust Hospital Liaison (ATL) The in reach service of Access to Care - facilitating the transfer of patients out of an acute hospital at the earliest possible opportunity Call the Access to Care Team: Call the Access to Care Team:

17 Need urgent medical advice for a resident? Call the Access to Care telephone line on:

18 Got a child aged 2, 3 or 4? Flu can be serious for young children. Help protect them from flu with one simple nasal spray. It s free, fast and painless. Don t put it off. Take up the offer from your GP as soon as you can. nhs.uk/staywell Lorna Cousins, Nurse

19 Got a child in year 1 or 2 at school? Flu can be serious for young children. Help protect them from flu with one simple nasal spray. It s free, fast and painless. This year all children in school years 1 and 2 are being offered the free flu vaccination. nhs.uk/staywell Melissa Dalton, Nurse

20 Have you still not had your flu jab? If you re 65 or over or you have an existing health problem, flu can be dangerous. That s why you re eligible for a free flu jab. Don t put it off. Get your flu jab straight away. nhs.uk/staywell Cheril Sowell, Nurse

21 Do you have a long-term health condition or are you 65 or over? Make sure you get your prescription medicines before Christmas Eve. Because many GPs and Pharmacies will close over the holidays.

22 Do you have a long-term health condition or are you 65 or over? Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. Keep yourself warm. Your home should be at least 18º C (65º F). Crown copyright nhs.uk/staywell Cheril Sowell, Nurse

23 Are you expecting a baby? Catching flu could lead to complications. All pregnant women are entitled to a free flu jab. Don t put it off. Ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu jab now. nhs.uk/staywell Dede Efueye, Midwife

24 Do you have a long-term health condition? If you feel like you re getting a cough or a cold on top of your existing condition, get advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious.

25 Heart FM Digital

26 Heart FM Broadcast airtime

27 Spire FM broadcast airtime

28 PRESS RELEASE ISSUED: 23 October 2015 Stay well this winter and avoid the flu With the drop in temperature over the last few weeks you can t fail to notice that winter is on its way and with it comes the start of the cold and flu season. To help you to stay well this winter, GPs and pharmacies throughout the county are offering an annual flu vaccination to people most at risk from developing complications. Pregnant women, those over 65, people with long term health conditions and their carers, are all eligible to receive a free vaccination to help them to stay well this winter. In addition, children in school years one and two and children aged two, three and four are entitled to receive a free nasal spray vaccine that is quick, painless and non-invasive. Parents of children aged two to four are encouraged to book an appointment with their GP to vaccinate their child against the flu virus. Parents of children in school years one and two are asked to complete a consent form to allow the school immunisation teams to administer the nasal spray flu vaccine to their children. For children in areas where the vaccination is not offered through their school, parents should make an appointment with the local GP. Dr Lindsay Kinlin, spokesperson for Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group and GP at The Avenue Surgery in Warminster comments: Most people with the flu start to feel better after a few days. Bed rest, plenty of liquids and a mild pain relief such as paracetamol is often all that is required. However, for more vulnerable people, like the very young or the elderly, flu can be extremely dangerous and in some serious cases, can be fatal. For those people, having the flu vaccine is the best way to help them to stay healthy this winter. If you are pregnant, over 65, have a long term health condition or care for someone that does make sure you remember to take up the offer of your free flu vaccination. You can make an appointment with your local doctor or there are a number of pharmacies in the county that are offering the vaccination to people in vulnerable groups free of charge. Wiltshire Council corporate director, Maggie Rae said: We want as many families as possible protected and the flu vaccine is the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus that can make people seriously unwell, particularly those in at risk

29 groups. I would urge people to get the vaccination as soon as possible as the virus does evolve and we want families to stay safe during the winter months and beyond. Dr Lindsay Kinlin continues: To help stop the spread of flu and the chance of catching it, good hygiene is really important. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, using a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and putting used tissues in the bin all help to prevent catching or spreading the flu virus. The flu is not the same as the common cold. The flu is cause by a different group of viruses and often tends to start more suddenly, be more severe and last for longer. If you think you have the flu try to avoid interacting too much with other people until you start to feel better. The main differences between the flu and a common cold are: Flu symptoms: - Come on quickly - Usually include fever and aching muscles - Make you feel too unwell to continue your usual activities Cold symptoms: - Come on gradually - Mainly affect your nose and throat - Are fairly mild, so you can still get around and are usually well enough to go to work Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, Keith Humphries said: A flu vaccination is the type of thing that s easily put off and put off until it s forgotten about. However, the vaccination process is quick and simple and will help protect people as much as possible from this virus, which for some people can have particularly devastating consequences. For further information on how to stay well this winter visit ENDS Notes for Editors: About Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group

30 NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is the commissioner of health care services for the population of Wiltshire. The CCG is led by local GPs who have first-hand experience of what their patients need. The CCG consists of 58 GP member practices and works closely with local partners including Wiltshire Council, local NHS providers, patients and the public to manage existing NHS services and implement new services to ensure that high quality health and social care is delivered to the population as close to their home as possible. Further information can be found on the website About Wiltshire Council Wiltshire Council, formed in 2009, is one of the largest unitary authorities in the country. The council is made up of 98 councillors and is one of the biggest employers in Wiltshire. The council is responsible for providing around 350 services including children and adult social care, waste collection, highways maintenance, and planning and leisure services. Additionally, in April 2013, the responsibility of public health services formally transferred to the council. More information about the council can be found at Further information: Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group Communications team: Wiltshire Council Communications team:

31 Winter planning Social media planner Date Twitter content Facebook content 14/10/2015 Are you eligible for a free flu jab? Find out on our website: Are you eligible for a free flu jab? 15/10/2015 Find out on our website: #staywell 16/10/ /10/2015 (W) Pharmacists are not just experts in medicines, they can also offer advice on a range of illnesses and injuries. Find your local Pharmacy here: 18/10/2015 (W) When is it a cold or when is it #flu? Find out on our website: #staywell 19/10/ /10/ /10/2015 You need a flu vaccination every year to make sure you are protected. So book yours now Do you know how to spot the difference between a cold and the flu? Find out more on our website: Winter planning social media planner 1

32 Date Twitter content Facebook content before flu starts to circulate #staywell Pharmacists are not just experts in medicines, they can also offer advice on a range of illnesses and injuries. Find your local Pharmacy here: #staywell The flu vaccine is now available, so why not make an appointment with your Pharmacist or GP to get a flu jab before flu starts to circulate. 22/10/2015 Adult #flu vaccine eligibility: pregnant women, over 65s & under 65s with long term conditions #staywellthiswinter 23/10/ /10/2015 (W) 25/10/2015 (W) Clocks go back For the first time all youngest primary school children are eligible to receive the free nasal spray #flu vaccine #staywell The flu vaccine is now available. Make an appointment with your Pharmacist or GP now before #flu starts to circulate #staywell If you're pregnant, you're eligible for a free flu jab. Find out more on our website Winter planning social media planner 2

33 Date Twitter content Facebook content 26/10/2015 Flu is a viral infection & cannot be treated by antibiotics. Drink plenty of fluids & stock up on remedies for home treatment #staywell Do you have a child aged 2-4? Help protect them from flu with a free flu vaccination nasal spray. Find out more on our website: 27/10/2015 What are the common myths around #flu? Find out in this great video #staywell 28/10/2015 Are you eligible for a free flu jab? Find out on our website: Do you know how long a cold normally lasts? The answer may surprise you! Cold image at: Winter planning social media planner 3

34 Date Twitter content Facebook content If you're #pregnant, you're eligible for a free #flu jab. Find out more on our website #staywell Are you eligible for a free flu jab? Find out on our website: 29/10/2015 Did you know that the flu is a virus which means that vitamin C can't protect you? 30/10/ /10/2015 We urge over 65s and those with Do you know about the common myths associated with flu? Find out in this great little video from Winter planning social media planner 4

35 Date Twitter content Facebook content (W) 01/11/2015 (W) long-term health conditions to prepare for winter as well as get the #flu vaccine #staywellthiswinter Public Health England Find out more on our website: 02/11/2015 Don t wait until there is a flu outbreak this winter: contact your GP or pharmacy to get your free flu jab now #staywell Have you had your flu jab yet? Don't forget, you need one every year. 03/11/ /11/2015 Is your child aged 2-4? Protect them from #flu with a free flu vaccination nasal spray: #staywell Winter planning social media planner 5

36 Date Twitter content Facebook content If you re going outside to watch the fireworks tonight, make sure you wrap up warm! 05/11/ /11/ /11/2015 (W) Find out more on our website: 08/11/2015 (W) 20% of people think that alcohol keeps the cold out. This is a myth. Find out the truth here: The flu vaccine is now available. Make an appointment with your Pharmacist or GP now! Winter planning social media planner 6

37 Date Twitter content Facebook content 09/11/2015 It's Ask Your Pharmacist Week Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses. Find your local Pharmacy here: #staywell It's Ask Your Pharmacist Week. Did you know pharmacists are not just experts in medicines, they can also offer advice on a range of illnesses and injuries. Find your local Pharmacy here: #staywell 10/11/2015 Hyppothermia can start setting in if your body temperature drops just 2 C, so make sure you wrap up warm! #staywell If you start to feel unwell, don't wait until it gets worse. Seek immediate advice from your pharmacist #staywell Stocking up for winter? Go and talk to your Pharmacist about what medicines you should always have in your medicine cupboard. 11/11/2015 Did you know the flu is a virus Feeling a bit under the weather? Did you know that salt can ease a sore throat? Find out more Winter planning social media planner 7

38 Date Twitter content Facebook content which means that it can't be cured with antibiotics? r #staywell here: Stocking up for winter? Talk to your Pharmacist about what medicines you should always have in your medicine cupboard. #staywell Want a few tips to help you stay well this winter? Visit our website: Use blue stay well image 12/11/2015 It's Ask Your Pharmacist Week Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses. Find your local Pharmacy here: #staywell 13/11/ /11/2015 (W) 15/11/2015 (W) Have you had your flu jab yet? Don't forget, you need one every year. #staywell If you start to feel unwell, even if it's only a cough or cold, go and talk to your pharmacist. The sooner you get advice the better - pharmacists are here to help you stay well. Find out more on our website: Winter planning social media planner 8

39 Date Twitter content Facebook content 16/11/2015 Start of Self Care Week Start of Alcohol Awareness Week 17/11/2015 Think carefully before visiting hospital if you or anyone in your family has even the mildest symptoms of stomach upset. #staywell It's Self Care Week, so we'll be tweeting lots of tips to help you take better care of yourself. Watch this space! #selfcare How long does a cold normally last? The answer may surprise you! #selfcare #RT Self Care Week Tip #1: Hypothermia can set in if your temperature drops just 2 C, so wrap up warm and keep your heating above 18 C #staywell It's the season of colds and sniffles, so what can you do to stop germs spreading? Find out here: #selfcare Self Care Week Tip #2: Flu can be dangerous for people with long-term health conditions.the It's Self Care Week! Over the next seven days, we'll be posting lots of tips and advice to help you stay safe and well over Winter. Tip #1 is Warm. Hypothermia can start to set in if your body temperature drops just 2 C, so make sure you wrap up warm and keep your heating above 18 C Tip #2 for Self Care Week is Immunisations. Having the flu is never nice, but it can be especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, the elderly or people with long-term health conditions. The easiest way to avoid the flu is to get a flu vaccination. Find out more here: Winter planning social media planner 9

40 Date Twitter content Facebook content easiest way to avoid it is to get a flu jab #staywell It's getting colder by the minute, so make sure you wrap up warm! #staywell Tip #3 for Self Care Week is Neighbours. The cold weather can be dangerous for elderly or frail people, so keep an eye on your older neighbours and relatives - make sure they're warm enough and have enough supplies so they don't need to go out. 18/11/2015 Self Care Week Tip #3: Cold weather can be dangerous for elderly people, so make sure they're warm enough and have enough supplies #staywell 19/11/2015 Here's the NHS' top 5 tips to help you stay healthy in #Winter: What's your #1 tip? #selfcare Self Care Week tip #4: If you feel unwell, talk to your pharmacist - they can offer advice on a range of minor illnesses and injuries. #staywell Tip #4 for Self Care Week is Timely. Pharmacists are not only medicine experts, but they can also offer advice and information on a range of minor illnesses and injuries. If you start to feel unwell, go and have a chat with your pharmacist - it might help you avoid a trip to the doctors. Winter planning social media planner 10

41 Date Twitter content Facebook content Are you getting the most out of your Pharmacy? Find out more in this handy leaflet #selfcare Tip #5 for Self Care Week is Enough. Over the coming weeks, GP surgeries and pharmacies may have reduced working hours (especially around the Christmas holidays) so make sure you order and collect your prescriptions in plenty of time. 20/11/2015 Self Care Week tip #5: Over Christmas, GPs and pharmacies may have reduced hours so order and collect your prescriptions in plenty of time #staywell 21/11/2015 (W) Self Care Week tip #6: Stock up on essentials e.g. medicines and non-perishable foods so you don t need to venture out into the icy weather #staywell Tip #6 for Self Care Week is Restock. No one likes to be out in the cold - especially if they don't feel well. So make sure you stock up on the essentials like medicines and non-perishable foods. Winter planning social media planner 11

42 Date Twitter content Facebook content It's now the end of Self Care Week. Here's a reminder about our six tips to stay well this WINTER. 22/11/2015 (W) It's now the end of Self Care Week and we hope you've enjoyed our #selfcare tweets! #staywell 23/11/ /11/ /11/2015 Did you know that 'beer jackets' are a myth? Alcohol dilates the blood vessels near your skin, which means more blood flows to these vessels. However this takes blood and heat away from the core of your body. So your organs aren t as warm as you might think they are. So if you're drinking alcohol this weekend, remember to take your jacket! Winter planning social media planner 12

43 Date Twitter content Facebook content The cold can be especially dangerous for frail or elderly people, so try and make sure they keep their thermostat above 21 C Find out more on our website: 26/11/ /11/2015 Do you know about the common myths associated with #flu? Find out in this great little video Did you know that the flu is a virus? This means antibiotics won't help make you feel better. Find out more on the NHS website: Winter planning social media planner 13

44 Date Twitter content Facebook content 28/11/2015 (W) The flu is a virus which means Vitamin C won't protect you. The only thing that will protect you is a flu vaccine. Find out more: #staywell Find out more on our website: 29/11/2015 (W) Winter planning social media planner 14