Have you got a winter plan?

Healthwatch Oxfordshire newsletter


Local people are being urged to have a personal winter plan so they are prepared when they start to feel unwell with a cough, cold or flu.

Personal winter plans should include:

Having a free NHS flu vaccination if you are eligible
Getting help early before your condition worsens
Getting repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before bank holidays
Finding out where your local minor injuries unit is located
Seeking advice from your local pharmacist
Having cold and flu remedies at home
Stocking up on winter food supplies
Getting your boiler serviced
Keeping your home heated to 18C
Having a list of emergency phone numbers handy by your phone
Keeping an eye on elderly or frail friends, neighbours and relatives
If you do fall ill, advice from your local pharmacist or NHS 111 can help. NHS 111 can now be accessed online via a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to get advice even quicker at NHS.111.UK.

If you need some help or advice with your mental wellbeing, you can contact Oxfordshire’s free 24-7 helpline on 0800 783 0119.

The Public Health England leaflet ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ provides advice on staying well in cold weather and covers issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating:

For more information about the flu vaccination, visit the NHS website.
For more information about how to stay warm and council services in Oxfordshire this winter, visit the Oxfordshire County Council website.
For more information on NHS 111 First, visit the OUH website.

This information has been taken from Healthwatch Oxfordshire's latest newsletter. You can read it here.

More Articles

September 23, 2025
From 22 September until the end of November, there will be some adjustments to the current traffic management arrangements on the B4022.
September 19, 2025
Local leaders in West Oxfordshire are encouraging residents to take part in a major public consultation on the future of rail in Oxfordshire.
September 15, 2025
With autumn and winter approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready for the colder nights ahead.
September 15, 2025
Families, older residents and local communities are seeing the benefits of more than half a million pounds of funding from West Oxfordshire District Council.
September 15, 2025
Dear Customer, We're writing on behalf of Thames Water, your water wholesaler, to remind you that the hosepipe ban introduced on Tuesday 22 July is still in effect in your area. Thanks to your efforts, businesses and households across the region have already helped save millions of litres of water each day. However, despite recent rainfall, reservoir and groundwater levels remain well below average. While rainfall has allowed Thames Water to start replenishing reservoirs, it will take months of steady rain for rivers, groundwater and reservoirs to fully recover. That's why the temporary use ban remains essential, and why it's important that we continue the water saving efforts as we move into autumn. FIND OUT MORE HERE Please continue to be water efficient this autumn Your business is covered by the hosepipe ban, and even though the impact is limited, your continued support helps protect the water supply for everyone in your community and reduces the risk of further disruption.  Reduce water use where possible - for example, scheduling vehicle washing outside peak periods (early morning/late evening) Checking for leaks on-site - even a small constant dribble can waste around 400 litres per day Stopping urinals flushing overnight - turning off the flow can save thousands of litres Raise awareness of employees - small steps by everyone can add up to greater savings For more information or to report urgent issues, please call Thames Water's 24-hour helpline on 0800 316 9800. Thanks for your continued cooperation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're here to help. Best regards, Ray Porter Director of Wholesale and Markets Castle Water
September 15, 2025
Autumn newsletter for West Oxfordshire residents.
September 15, 2025
West Oxfordshire District Council will be considering proposals to speak with local town and parish councils on how to best manage public toilets.
September 15, 2025
West Oxfordshire District Council is launching a new ‘Business Boost’ Grant to help businesses grow, adapt and plan for the future.
September 15, 2025
Are you worried about rising energy bills or finding it difficult to keep your home warm? Help is available.
September 15, 2025
Oxfordshire residents without off-street parking can now apply for an EV cable channel, making home charging easier and safer.
Show More