RESIDENTS are being urged to choose the correct care for their needs as preparations are stepped up ahead of what could be one of the toughest winters ever experienced for those working in the NHS.

Earlier this week national health bosses announced the new plans in place to prepare for winter demand.

This included rapid response teams to help people who have fallen at home and 24/7 ‘care traffic control centres, which will manage demand and capacity by tracking bed availability and hospital attendances.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said the additional measures would build on the extensive work already underway to prepare for what will be a “very challenging winter”.

Exact details on what is being done in Dorset have not been released, but residents are being urged to use NHS services “wisely” to get “the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time.”

Dr Paul Johnson, NHS Dorset chief medical officer, said: “Things are extremely busy at the moment, and we are experiencing significant pressure as demand continues to increase.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure services are available for people as we approach the winter months. This includes working closely with our health and care partners to plan for a range of scenarios that may occur due to increased demand or outbreaks of illness.

“We will be asking everyone living and working in Dorset to help by ensuring they choose the correct care for their needs if they do need help, and a public information campaign will be running to highlight the options and care available.

“Using NHS services wisely over the winter, can help you get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time – first time.”

The system control centres, which have been described as “data-driven war rooms”, are said to be led by teams of clinicians and experts.

It has been said that they will enable swift decisions to be made to any emerging challenges including where hospitals can benefit from mutual aid, or to divert ambulances to another nearby hospital with more capacity.

The NHS has said expanding falls response services right across the country will see local teams sent to help people who have fallen in their home or in care homes, rather than unnecessary trips to hospital.

Based in communities, the expansion could reportedly see around 55,000 ambulance trips freed up to treat other patients each year, with a quarter of all category three and four ambulance callouts in January this year relating to falls.