THE NHS is appealing for the public’s help as services remain exceptionally busy on the Isle of Wight.

There are several ways you can help the NHS help you this winter, especially if you need care when it is not an emergency.

Derek Sandeman, chief medical officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integral Care System, said: “People will be aware of the many challenges facing the NHS across-the-board at present.

“All NHS services are busy, but health and care teams continue to work incredibly hard to provide safe, high-quality care and manage the impact of rising Covid-19 infections.

“We know it can be frustrating and worrying when trying to make an appointment, or if you are waiting for a call back when things are busy.

“But please be patient and be kind and respectful to our staff.

“We are again asking for people to help us to help them, and there are a number of simple tips we invite people to follow, including ways to get the most appropriate service for their needs.”

There are several simple tips the NHS invites people to follow, including ways to get the most appropriate service for their needs. They are:

Get vaccinated to help yourself and others.

If you are 18 or over, get your COVID-19 booster jab.

It’s not too late to get your first or second dose either.

More information on how to access the jab on the Isle of Wight is available here. And don’t forget your flu jab.

You will be protecting yourself and everyone you encounter.

Remember the Emergency Department (ED) is for emergencies.

Hospital Emergency Departments and 999 are busy and must be kept for emergencies. GP surgeries are busy too.

Pharmacies can help with concerns about minor illnesses; Urgent Treatment Centres around the area can see injuries, including limb fractures.

Try these ahead of ED or GP, or contact 111 online if you are unsure.

They can book you an appointment slot if you need one so you know when to attend – all arranged quickly and easily from the safety and the comfort of your own home.

There’s no place like home if you’re ready to leave the hospital.

If you have a loved one or friend in hospital who is ready to come home, you can help by picking them up promptly.

A friendly face to ease them home is important, and it also means hospitals beds can be made available quickly for patients who need them.

Expert help on every high street.

Your high street pharmacist is a highly qualified expert who can help you with concerns about minor illnesses, medicines, or other wellbeing advice.

They can put your mind at rest very quickly or point you in the direction of someone who can help should you need it.

Your GP practice has online access and a range of expert help.

GP practices are busy and will often triage requests to ensure that they prioritise people according to need.

Using eConsult or your practice’s online contact service helps the practice clinician get you the right help at the right time, including experts in the team to see you quickly.

There are things you can do to help yourself.

Keeping some everyday medicines and painkillers in a safe place at home can be useful for dealing with minor bugs and illnesses like colds, stomach upsets and the occasional hangover.

For conditions you can manage at home, there are some great tips here.