The NHS is carrying out “stress testing” exercises and providing targeted care to vulnerable patients, as it strengthens its plans to winter-proof the health service.
Throughout September, local NHS leaders will test the robustness of their winter plans by taking part in scenario exercises such as staff shortages, rapidly increasing demand and multiple virus outbreaks.
Local teams are also being asked to identify patients most vulnerable to winter viruses and at risk of hospitalization, to provide them with targeted care and ensure they have appropriate vaccinations.
The health service is predicting another winter under pressure and the year 2025 is on track to be the busiest ever recorded for emergency and ambulance services.
This year there will be a different approach to winter, with more power for NHS leaders on the ground to offer tailored plans for their local population. The NHS is also working closely with local authorities and social care colleagues, so that discharge capacity can be increased at times of peak demand.
Half of all ambulance services now also have access to shared care records, allowing paramedics and other doctors to access a patient’s full medical history wherever they are.
The new approach follows the publication of the urgent and emergency care plan in June, which had £450m of funding.
New government vaccination campaigns will be launched from September 22, urging people to protect themselves against winter viruses. The first will encourage pregnant women to “stay strong.” Get vaccinated against flu, RSV, and whooping cough.
More activities will take place in October to support the uptake of flu vaccination among people with long-term health problems. This bold new campaign uses familiar protective imagery, like bubble wrap, to illustrate the benefits of vaccination. The activity is broadcast through television channels, video on demand, radio, outdoor and social activities.
Since early September, pregnant women and millions of children have been able to get vaccinated against the flu. Starting October 1, older adults, people at clinical risk and other eligible groups will also be able to get vaccinated against flu and COIVD.
The health service will also ensure vital medicines such as Tamiflu are readily available to those at high risk of developing flu complications.
The NHS is also increasing the number of patients receiving care on virtual wards or through Urgent Community Response teams. More than £370 million of capital investment is being allocated to build around 40 new emergency care centers and same-day urgent treatment centres.
The NHS is also stepping up staff vaccination programs with the aim of increasing flu vaccine uptake among frontline staff by at least five percentage points before winter. It will be easier than ever for staff to get vaccinated with bookable on-site and walk-in appointments.
Mental health trusts will proactively identify frequent attenders and high-risk patients to ensure crisis and relapse plans are in place ahead of winter. The NHS is opening mental health crisis assessment centers and additional mental health inpatient capacity to reduce the number of these patients having to seek treatment in traditional A&E.
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of the NHS, said: “Despite record demand this year, NHS teams have worked hard to improve waiting times, with last month’s Category 2 ambulance response times being the fastest in four years, but we know the colder months ahead will be much more challenging.
“The NHS has been preparing more than ever to be ready for the winter months, because we know that recent winters have been particularly tough on patients and staff, and we are determined to make this year better.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Winter is always tough on the NHS, but this year we are stepping up preparations and doing more to protect the country. From ‘war gaming’ exercises to extra checks for the most vulnerable, we are making sure the health service is prepared for whatever comes its way.
“But the public also has a crucial role. The best way to protect yourself, your family and the NHS is to get vaccinated. This takes pressure off hard-working staff and helps ensure patients receive care when they need it most.
“By preparing together – the government, NHS staff and the public – we can give the health service the best chance to weather the winter ahead.”
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “Patients and staff are at the center of our preparation for winter, focusing on providing the safest care possible and providing support closer to people’s homes.
“Our clinical plans include providing targeted support to those most vulnerable to viruses to keep them out of hospital, easier access to rescue medicines and increased use of services such as urgent response teams, virtual wards and same-day emergency care.
“While our winter preparations are being tested to support both patients and staff, without a doubt the most important thing the public can do ahead of winter is to get vaccinated.
“The NHS now offers protection against more viruses than ever before and so if you are eligible for RSV, Covid or flu vaccines, come forward as soon as possible – it could save your life.”
Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunization at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Our new winter marketing campaign has a clear message: ‘Stay strong. Get vaccinated.’
“If you are pregnant or have a long-term health problem, you are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu. The vaccine protects you and your family. If you are pregnant, it also protects your baby, both in the womb and during the first months of life.
“Don’t wait, if you’re eligible, please come in – it could be the most important appointment you make this winter, helping you stay out of the hospital.”
