Oxfordshire is braced for a harsh winter of discontent with NHS warnings that services could be under severe strain and "busier than ever" as ambulance crews are already being hit with delays.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which covers the county, has said that workers are experiencing "earlier than usual" winter pressures with flu and Covid symptoms having a widespread impact.
It comes as a yellow cold health alert has been issued this week for Oxfordshire by the UK Health Security Agency, which means forecast weather will create additional pressures for health and social care services.
SCAS said it is aware that this winter will be "challenging", especially as the NHS as a whole is "busier than ever" going into winter 2024/25.
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Over the last few weeks it has had periods when ambulance crews are delayed in handing over patients at A&E, which then puts pressure on the ambulance service.
The service said this is because some patients with less serious emergencies are having to wait longer for ambulances to get to them.
"We are seeing earlier than usual winter pressures on hospitals," said a spokesperson for SCAS.
"The target time we have for reaching such patients is within two or three hours, but there have been periods over the last few weeks when some patients have waited considerably longer.
"We continue to work with our partners in local health services to improve the flow of patients in hospital A&Es."
CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, Paul Ringer, said: "As winter approaches, we are particularly concerned about the well-being of older adults in Oxfordshire.
"The cold weather can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of hypothermia and falls.
“There is always a concern that services might struggle to cope, especially with the added challenge of severe weather.
"We urge everyone to check on older neighbours and family members, and to support local services in any way they can.
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"With snow expected in the coming days, we anticipate a rise in pressures on health services, and it's vital that we all remain vigilant and proactive in our support efforts."
To cope with the demands, SCAS has a "sophisticated" forecast system that models its expected 999 demand using data from previous years and taking into account any other external factors, such as the weather.
SCAS said it is therefore "confident" it has sufficient planned resources in place to cope with the cold weather alert over the next few days.
“NHS staff work tirelessly all year round, always putting patients first," said Mr Miller.
"However, their ability to provide the care we need is often undermined by a lack of resources and this is particularly severe in the winter.
"I have consistently campaigned for greater investment in our local health services. I welcome the chancellor’s recent commitments in the budget, but in Bicester and Woodstock, we need to see real improvements - like being able to see a GP or dentist when we need to.
"The NHS is here for us - let’s ensure it has the support to be there when it matters most.”
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Olly Glover, Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot and Wantage, said he is "concerned" about health services being "over-stretched" as we head into the colder months.
He added: "The Liberal Democrats have called for the health service to be 'winterproofed', as there has been a rise in the 12 hour waits at A&E departments across the country - which is a matter of life and death.
"At the Budget we called for a new fund to build resilience in the NHS and protect our services, and therefore those who are vulnerable when the cold health alerts are announced.
"Locally, I have continued to work with others to see plans for the new GP surgery at Great Western Park are fulfilled."
"We have worked collaboratively over the last few years and have been learning each time on how we can best manage the additional pressures the colder months can bring," said a spokesperson for OUH.
As we approach the winter, Oxfordshire’s leading bus and coach operators are rolling out a free winter flu jab programme for its colleagues, to help them guard against seasonal colds and flu.
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The flub jab is available for free for everyone at Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams.
The complimentary vaccine is optional for all employees across the three companies and is being administered by a nurse in Oxford Bus Company’s occupational health department.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is a key priority for us and so we have invested in offering seasonal flu vaccinations.
“Flu jabs are only available to certain groups via the NHS and so this ensures that any of our colleagues who would like to be vaccinated this winter can be for free.
"The initiative will help keep our workforce well, ensuring we can deliver an excellent service this winter and that our colleagues can enjoy the festive period during their downtime.”
SCAS continues to urge the public to only call 999 or go to A&E if they or someone their with is suffering a life-threatening or serious emergency that needs immediate assessment and/or treatment.
A spokesperson for OUH added: “People can help us by making sure they are using the right healthcare services for their needs – A&E should be kept for genuine emergencies.
"If you need urgent, but not emergency help, contact NHS 111 who can point you in the right direction, or see if services like your local pharmacy can help.”
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