Government announces winter preparations for NHS services

The government has announced a series of measures that will be undertaken to ensure the NHS is ready to offer the necessary care to patients during the winter months.

Over the coming weeks, a flu vaccination advertising campaign will be run to remind people of the need to get immunised, while a Cold Weather Plan will launch to offer advice on how to keep healthy this winter.

Additionally, a Winterwatch website will be introduced this month as a one-stop database for winter-related health stats and a 20 million pound fund is being set up for use by local authorities in offering assistance to vulnerable people.

These initiatives are intended to head of the increase in health problems usually seen during winter, with common problems including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory problems and flu, as well as slips and trips.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "As winter approaches, we should all be on our guard against health problems – by taking simple steps and looking after our older friends and family we can keep warm and well."

This comes after NHS staff were reminded of the need to get immunised against flu last month to cut the risk of doctors and nurses spreading the disease to patients, colleagues and loved ones.