Carl Marsh is place director for Warrington Together and writes a regular column for the Warrington Guardian

As we head into winter, health and social care services are preparing to navigate through another difficult time, including seasonal outbreaks such as flu and diarrhoea and vomiting, an increase in COVID-19 cases, and contending with increasing pressures on our A&E Department.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu is the first essential step in staying well this winter, so when you’re invited for your vaccinations, it’s important to make sure you make an appointment.

It’s also really important to make sure you’re prepared for other seasonal illnesses, especially if you’re someone who is more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather – this includes, people 65 years and over, babies and children under 5 years, people while long term conditions, pregnant women, those with a disability, and people who have a mental health condition.

You should have a fully-stocked, and in-date first aid kit and medicine cabinet – this should include all of the essentials to be able to help treat minor illnesses or accidents at home.

If you need extra help or advice on minor injuries or illnesses, you can contact your local pharmacy.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example, they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

If you take regular medications, you will usually have a repeat prescription – this means you can order your medicine without having to see your GP until your next medication review.

To find out more, go to www.nhs.uk and search “repeat prescriptions”.

If you’re in need of medical help or advice, and aren’t sure where to go, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via telephone or online at 111.nhs.uk.

You can also call 18001 111 on a textphone, or use the British Sign Language service available - find out more at signvideo.co.uk/nhs111.

NHS 111 can help with identifying the best service local to you.

Their trained advisors can connect you with a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist, or GP if required; help you with self-care; assist you in getting any medication you may need; or book you an arrival time at A&E if necessary – this means you spend less time in A&E.

Health and social care services are working hard in partnership to ensure people across Warrington have access to the services they need, when they need them, so please help us by considering your options this winter.

Remember that A&E is open to those who need it most – so if you’re not in critical condition, or have a life-threatening injury or illness, please consider other services that are available to you.