The NHS is under immense pressure. The warnings are clear, and the potential for a major crisis is all too apparent.
The situation is dire at the minute, with huge waiting times, beds at near capacity and ambulances queuing outside hospitals - and it is only expected to get worse as we enter into 2023. Every one of us needs to do everything possible to ensure help is available to the right people across Greater Manchester.
We have been told to avoid using A&E services unless it's vital; ie, if someone is in a life-threatening condition. It's a clear plea from an organisation that often encourages us to get checked out whenever we think something isn't right.
It's a crucial warning we all need to take on board as we welcome in the New Year. It's a notoriously busy period for hospitals, with medics inundated and at full-stretch. On Boxing Day alone, 539 patients were admitted at Greater Manchester hospitals.
READ MORE: SPECIAL REPORT - View from Greater Manchester's A&Es amid urgent crisis with beds nearly full
Ambulances have been pictured queuing up outside hospitals, with paramedics struggling to hand patients over as staff inside try to cope with the sheer numbers in attendance.
Hospital beds are at 98 per cent capacity across the region. At any one time, there's only a handful of available spaces for the sick and injured. It's vital we keep those few spaces free for those in critical need.
Last night (Thursday), the Northern Care Alliance - which runs hospitals and community services in Salford, Oldham, Bury and Rochdale - raised a 'Business Continuity Incident' due to the pressure being faced. NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care said the current situation was 'beyond anything [they] have experienced before'.
I've relied quite heavily on the NHS this year for a number of reasons. I've visited numerous hospitals for appointments and operations. Every time I've been blown away by how attentive and resilient our nurses and NHS staff are.
Despite battling long queues, increasing demand and low pay, they continue to do their jobs without complaint and with smiles on their faces.
When I asked a nurse earlier this year how she managed to remain so calm and professional when dealing with a rude patient continually undermining her, she said: "It needs to be done. We are here to look after people."
That's what we all need to remember - now more than ever.
The 'unprecedented' demand comes at a time when NHS staff are in the midst of strike action, with many fighting for better pay and conditions. It's undoubtedly been a tough year for us all, but there's something to be said when those whose job it is to look after others have essentially said 'enough is enough'.
I don't think it's selfish of them. It's a profession at breaking point and, whatever your views on strike action, now is the time for us to stand together.
Our NHS is creaking under the pressure but its staff is helping it stay afloat and ensure it continues to be there for us. But we need to be there for it too by staying away unless absolutely necessary.
Health officials have reminded people that hospitals will continue to operate and anyone with a life-threatening illness absolutely should still call an ambulance or visit A&E. But for others, there are better options.
Pharmacists will, for the most part, remain open, while the 111 online service continues to operate as normal, meaning anyone with concerns can ring or log in for advice without having to visit a hospital.
And for those enjoying a drink this weekend, perhaps try and pace yourself with a glass of water here and there to ensure you don't end up falling face first and needing stitches in the early hours of Sunday. You'll be just as grateful come New Year's Day as our NHS staff if you take it easy.
For everything they've done for us, it's now our responsibility not to tip the already-strained NHS over the edge this New Year’s Eve.
It's the very least we can do.
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