Stay Well campaign to protect local people this winter

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is supporting the NHS England South West winter campaign, ‘Stay Well this Winter’ to prevent the health of local people from deteriorating and to keep them out of hospital.

It is expected that this winter will be the busiest on record yet, and with Great Western Hospitals regularly operating at maximum capacity, the Trust will focus on a key theme each month to highlight community support that is available right across Swindon; so that people can access help earlier on and prevent a hospital stay.

In the last 12 months, over 130,000 people have attended the Emergency Department or Urgent Treatment Centre at Great Western Hospital, with around 100,000 of them admitted to a ward for further care.

Mental health attendances are also increasing year on year at Great Western Hospital, with around 2,500 patients presenting at hospital with mental health in the last year.

Find out more about where you can access healthcare outside of hospital.

September: Boost your immunity

The Trust has begun protecting staff against flu, with the start of our annual vaccination campaign.

By having the vaccines, staff will be protecting themselves, their patients, and the wider local community. Last year, our uptake rate for flu vaccines to our staff was higher than any other Trust in the South-West.

As well as frontline health and social care staff, this winter will see those most at risk – including people who are immune-suppressed – offered the vaccines. Those aged 65 and over, carers and pregnant women will also be offered the vaccines.

Eligible people may receive an invitation to have their vaccine from their local GP practice or, for pregnant women, through walk-in clinics at Great Western Hospital, Moredon Medical Centre and Swindon Health Centre.

Some community pharmacies are also available to offer the flu vaccination. These appointments can also be booked using the National Booking service.

Children will also be offered the flu vaccines this winter, to prevent them getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. The nasal flu vaccine will also help break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population.

October 2025: Stay active and eat well

Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life.

Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

To stay healthy, the UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines, on GOV.UK, state that adults should try to be active every day and aim to do at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week, through a variety of activities.

Sara Egas-Kitchener, Physiotherapist, said: "There are lots of ways to keep active, no matter your age or ability. Being more active can help improve your overall health, including strength, independence and mood."