People are being urged to have their flu jabs and keep their homes warm as part of an NHS push to keep people out of hospital.

Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England said there were a number of steps people could take to keep themselves healthy in the winter months.

It comes after figures published last week showed the NHS is missing a raft of key targets - including on A and E times and ambulance responses - even before the coldest months of winter arrive.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have also joined forces to encourage more pregnant women to come forward for a flu vaccine.

Last winter just four in 10 pregnant women accepted the offer of flu vaccination. Figures show that 36 pregnant women died from strains of flu in the UK and Ireland between 2009 to 12, accounting for one in 11 of all maternal deaths during this time.

In the new Stay Well This Winter campaign from NHS England and PHE, people are urged to heat their homes to at least 18C (65F).

According to experts behind the campaign, winter can have a serious impact on health, particularly for the elderly and those with long-term health conditions, and thousands die unnecessarily.

People who are eligible for a flu vaccine are being urged to get one, while neighbours are also asked to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and relatives.

In a bid to keep GP surgeries and A and E departments free from people seeking help for minor illnesses, patients are being told to see their pharmacist first of all for advice.

The campaign says to make sure cupboards are stocked with food and medicines, while people should also order their repeat prescriptions so they do not run out of medicine.

Actress Barbara Windsor, who is supporting the campaign, said: "It's the simplest things that we sometimes forget and, when remembered, they can make all the difference.

"The Stay Well This Winter campaign is a great way of reminding people about the little things they can do to make sure they're protecting themselves as the cold weather sets in, whether that's staying warm, stocking up on prescription medicines or checking in on friends and neighbours to make sure they are keeping well."

TV doctor, Dr Rosemary Leonard, said: "With over one million people stating that they are always or often lonely, crucially, this initiative reminds us to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and relatives.

"Simple actions like making a phone call to say hello or ensuring our loved ones have stocked up on prescription medicines takes no time at all but can make all the difference."

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director for NHS England, said: "Think of the elderly. Half live alone and one third only occasionally socialise if at all, so they are slow to seek help. Those who are frail can get very sick very quickly - even a cold can end up with a stay in hospital."

Dr Patrick O'Brien, spokesman for the RCOG, said: "Any viral infection, including seasonal flu, can cause harm to a mother and baby during pregnancy. It can also be serious for newborn babies if they catch the infection from their mothers.

"Some women may be concerned that getting vaccinated during pregnancy might harm their baby but we want to reassure them that flu vaccination is safe, effective and can be given at any stage of pregnancy."