DORSET'S Urgent Care Group has moved to reassure Dorset residents that plans to cope with seasonal pressures are firmly in place.

Dr Simon Watkins is a local GP and chair of the Urgent Care Group. “As a healthcare system we never stop planning for winter because we know we are going to face increased attendances to all of our NHS establishments, for example through increased respiratory illnesses, or people having trips and falls due to the bad weather," he said.

However, he said there were still a few, simple things people could do to help ensure they were prepared, too.

"Make sure you get your flu jab - flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can be deadly, that’s why the flu jab is free if you’re aged 65 or over, or if you have a long-term health condition," he said.

He also wants people to contact their pharmacist when they start feeling under the weather. "Pharmacists can advise you on how to treat minor illnesses or conditions that you might otherwise go to your GP for," he said. "It’s fast, confidential -a lot of pharmacies have a room where you can speak to someone in private - and means you could be in, out and on your way to feeling better in no time."

There are over 150 pharmacies in Dorset and you can find your nearest one via www.nhs.uk.

For more information and winter health advice visit ourdorset.nhs.uk.