Action plan for NHS to help vulnerable people this winter

With winter setting in, plans to keep people safe from the cold have been announced by health secretary Jeremy Hunt, to help the NHS prepare for winter and meet the increase in winter related health problems.

The Department of Health has put the following plans in place in every area of England.

• A flu vaccination advertising campaign encouraging people in at risk groups to get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so.

• The Cold Weather Plan which will be jointly run with the Met Office and Health Protection Agency. This will advise people on how to stay healthy, relieving pressures on the NHS. And support local communities and professionals to better prepare for and respond to severe cold weather events in the coming winter.

• The Winterwatch website will provide a one-stop shop for winter related health stats (this will launch on 15 November).

• A £20 million fund, distributed among local authorities - Local authorities bid for this money to help vulnerable people in their areas stay warm and well this winter.

Jeremy Hunt, health secretary said: “Cold weather can be hazardous for our health — particularly for older people and those with respiratory illnesses. Each year, the cold weather is responsible for an increase in deaths and thousands of cases of flu, falls, heart attacks and strokes. In past years, these extra pressures have cost the NHS £42 million in emergency admissions alone.

“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.”

Anna Soubry, public health minister said: “We have taken the decision this year to run a flu campaign because too many people in at risk groups have not come forward for the jab yet, although local campaigns have been running for the past month.

"People may be lulled into a false sense of security about the seriousness of flu following a mild winter last year. The national campaign will build on the local ‘flu safe’ campaigns that have been running.

“Our campaign aims to encourage people who are most at risk from flu, who have put it off or who don’t think it is important, to get the vaccine. If pregnant women are vaccinated, they not only protect themselves but also protect their newborn babies from catching flu. If you are in a risk group, don’t miss the chance to be vaccinated; contact your GP surgery and make an appointment.”

David Salisbury, director of immunization said: “You are eleven times more likely to die from flu if you are pregnant or have a serious health condition and each year thousands of people die after catching flu. That’s why we are reminding people who are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of flu to get the vaccine.

“Severe weather can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as older people and those with serious illnesses. It’s important for people to look after their health.”

There are thousands of extra deaths in England during the winter months as a result of cold weather and associated health problems.

Heart attacks, stroke and respiratory problems increase during the cold weather and the NHS comes under increased pressure from people getting flu, people injuring themselves through falls or slips and other health problems associated with colder weather, such as the norovirus vomiting bug.