To ask the Minister of Health to outline what differences will be apparent in this year’s Winter Preparedness Plan compared to that published on 6 November 2024.

Earlier this year, under the leadership of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, I brought together senior leaders from across the Health and Social Care system to explore the learning from last winter, as we plan for winter 2025/26. I was clear that I wanted a whole system approach looking at what could be achieved both in advance of this winter and in the longer-term.

This process identified the need for a particular focus on interventions to improve the care of those older people living with frailty and other co-morbidities, who have been identified as some of the most vulnerable to the risks associated with the winter period, and this will be reflected in this year’s plan.

Seven action plans have been established which focus on reducing hospital demand by supporting older people to stay well and receive appropriate care in the community. This includes improving the use of advance clinical care planning and enhancing pathways for patients, ensuring the right care is delivered in the right place, first time.

Of course, like in previous years, this year’s Winter Preparedness Plan will also identify other steps that the Department and key partners are taking to help manage pressures, including enhancements for General Practice, efforts to tackle ambulance handover delays and additions to Community Pharmacy services. We have also mobilised an extensive vaccination programme, to minimise the impact from winter infections such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19.

I will publish the Winter Preparedness Plan imminently and, as in previous years, we will again call upon the public to do everything possible to help protect our system, including utilising community services, where available, and getting vaccinated, if eligible.