To ask the Minister of Health to detail when he intends to publish the Winter Preparedness Plan for 2026-27.

Responsibility for developing, approving, and publishing winter preparedness plans rests with the individual Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts. My Department provides strategic direction and oversight, and clear Surge Planning Guidance for Winter 2026/27 was issued to the HSC Chief Executives on 28th July 2026.

My Department and the Public Health Agency will support the HSC Trusts in the development of their winter operational delivery plans. Trusts have been asked to publish their Winter Preparedness Plan by 18th September 2026. As in previous years, public support is sought to do everything possible to help protect our HSC system, including utilising community services, where available, and getting vaccinated, if eligible.