This winter, take simple steps to protect your health and the NHS

Amita is Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) for the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) covering Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire.

We asked her:

What does your role involve?

My role involves leading on managing emergency planning, business continuity and major incident response as well ensuring the ICB meets its statutory duties under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.  This involves:

•  leading and co-ordinating the health response to an incident alongside health and LRF partners
• planning and delivering training and exercises both within the ICB and the LRF
• providing the ICB Board with assurance on emergency readiness and for the NHS England EPRR Core Standards – a set of emergency planning requirements that all NHS organisations must meet.

What kind of winter planning goes on in the NHS – and what are the biggest risks? 

NHS winter planning is firstly about prevention, which is the key to help reduce avoidable admissions to hospital.  

The ICB works together with health partners (hospitals, GP, pharmacies etc), local communities, voluntary organisations, patient groups and Healthwatch to promote self-care and encourage people to access NHS services appropriately as well as launch the vaccination programme.  

We also focus on prevention for the NHS workforce including promoting staff vaccinations and occupational health services throughout the winter period to ensure we have a resilient workforce.  

Winter is always challenging and the biggest risks are seasonal viruses, cold-weather health complications (asthma, COPD flare-ups, flu and respiratory illness) and the strains on all health organisations as we see a surge in attendances. 

When does winter planning start?

Winter planning takes place throughout the year as the NHS winter plans focus on prevention by supporting people to stay well, access help early and manage long-term conditions effectively.  

What kind of steps can people take to prepare themselves and their loved ones/ communities for possible health risks this winter?

Vaccinations – this is the best way to protect yourself and family members from becoming seriously unwell, especially if you are at increased risk.

Stop the spread of infection – hand washing, stay at home if you are unwell, wearing a mask if asked to do so by healthcare providers.

Long-term conditions – taking medication as prescribed, ensuring you attend medical appointments, following any management plans you have in place, seeking help early if you feel unwell or have a flare-up of your condition.

Keeping warm – keep your home warm, wear several layers of thin clothing, try not to sit still for more than an hour, eating and drinking well

Who is most at risk during the cold months and how can we support them? 

Older people, children and those with long-term medical conditions will be most at risk.  You can support by:

•  checking on older neighbours and family members, offering support with shopping etc especially in adverse weather conditions.  
• ensuring those who are at risk have appropriate winter clothing if they need to go out.  
• making sure you don’t run out of your regular medication.  
• accessing support through initiatives like:

Warm Welcome | Find Community Spaces Near You
Keeping your home warm this winter - Met Office
Cost of Living Advice | Age UK
Long term conditions - LLR ICB
Minor Ailments - LLR ICB

Tell us about one thing you do in your own home to be Risk Ready.

I have a stocked medicine box at home which includes a thermometer, plasters and bandages, antiseptic and pain relief for both adults and children as well as saline nasal spray.  I have bottled water, canned foods and biscuits and recently invested in a battery powered radio and battery-operated led lights.