It may be summer but we’re winter planning at NHS Direct
Whilst heatwave planning may seem more appropriate at this time of year, NHS Direct is preparing its own plans for this coming winter and is keen to contribute to regional and local NHS winter planning as appropriate. NHS Direct routinely prepares for peak-pressure periods as part of an ongoing, rolling programme of forecasting and capacity planning. This includes both seasonal and event specific planning. However, as you would expect, prior to key public holidays such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, there is always an intensified period of preparation.
We learnt a lot during last year’s Swine Flu Pandemic and have used this learning to inform and refine our future plans for responding to major incidents and developed improved working relationships with Strategic Health Authorities and the Health Protection Agency as a result.
NHS Direct has tried and tested arrangements for prioritising demand for our service, optimising our contact centre capacity across the country and ensuring our clinical pathways dovetail with those of our regional and local NHS partners. For example, we work with our partners on specific local campaigns e.g. NHS Choose Well.
If you would like NHS Direct to contribute to your winter planning, please contact your NHS Direct Regional Director. We also have a national Risk and Emergency Planning Manager based at our national headquarters who can assist with planning and guidance if required.
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Local teams
To discuss how we can tailor make our services to your requirements, why not get in touch with our regional director in your area?
