Plans outlined to equip NHS for winter pressures

The government has expressed confidence in the level to which it has prepared the NHS for the added pressures expected during the winter months.

Actions have been taken to keep people out of hospital and ensure closer involvement of GPs and social service organisations in care provision, while a public information campaign has encouraged people with non-urgent medical problems to avoid using emergency services.

This week, the government has announced an additional 400 million pounds in funding to improve local health services, to be allocated to deliver detailed resilience plans developed by regional NHS, council and social care leaders.

Based on the actions taken, the Department of Health estimates there is the potential for up to the equivalent of 1,000 extra doctors and 2,000 extra nurses, as well as 2,500 extra beds both in acute hospitals and also in the community sector.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "We know the cold weather can bring added pressure so, as in previous years, we've given the NHS extra resources to make sure it is better prepared than ever before."

Hospitals tend to be more oversubscribed during the winter due to the spread of seasonal illnesses such as flu, as well as the increased risk of slips and trips.