Health services available in Milton Keynes as flu cases double
The city council teams that are helping to keep Milton Keynes residents out of hospital as flu cases double this year.
The NHS has released new figures showing an unprecedented flu season, with 50% more patients currently in hospital with flu than this time last year. Given this news, Milton Keynes City Council is highlighting several of its services that are helping to keep people safe, independent and at home this winter.
Milton Keynes City Council’s Occupational Therapists have helped more than 3,000 residents in the past year, recommending over 600 major home adaptations such as easy-access showers and stairlifts, and providing more than 5,000 pieces of equipment like hoists and grab rails. These changes make daily living easier and reduce the risk of falls and injuries that could lead to hospital visits.
Community Alarm gives round-the-clock reassurance to vulnerable residents. The service provides personal alarms and sensors to more than 3,500 residents, giving peace of mind to them and their families. So far this year, the team has answered more than 120,000 calls and assisted around 1,800 people who had fallen, potentially avoiding hundreds of emergency hospital admissions.
The Milton Keynes Integrated Discharge Hub helps to ensure patients who are medically fit can leave hospital promptly and safely. It combines the expertise of teams from Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes City Council and Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust. The hub coordinates support such as home adaptations, care packages, and community services, helping people return home sooner and reducing unnecessary stays in hospital.
Meanwhile, the city council’s Public Health and Family Centre teams are promoting winter wellness through multiple initiatives. This includes projects that encourage flu and COVID vaccinations for vulnerable residents, healthy living through the local Choose You service, and early intervention to prevent illness such as an ongoing programme to provide free oral care products to children – nationally, tooth decay remains the main cause of hospital admission among children aged 5 to 9.
Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Communities said: “NHS England say as many as one in five emergency admissions to hospital may have been avoidable with the right care in place. Our teams are dedicated to giving care and to helping residents remain independent and safe in their own homes. By providing practical support and rapid response services, we’re minimising avoidable hospital admissions and ensuring people get the help they need before problems escalate.”
Joe Harrison, Chief Executive at Milton Keynes University Hospital said: “Partnership between our trust and Milton Keynes City Council makes a real difference to how the hospital manages through winter pressures and ensures that local people get the care they need in the right setting. What is more, our joint efforts help to ensure that hospital beds are available for those who most need them.”
The NHS has released a video titled 24 Hours Not In A&E as part of a social media campaign to help avoid unnecessary visits to A&E departments and GPs. More information about local services can be found on the Milton Keynes City Council website. Practical tips and information on staying well this winter can be found on the NHS winter wellbeing page.