Blog | Preparing for winter pressures

As the winter season is upon us, primary care services have braced for a surge in demand. This period often sees a rise in respiratory issues, the exacerbation of chronic conditions, and outbreaks of seasonal illnesses such as flu and RSV, particularly in vulnerable people like the elderly, those in frailty and palliative care.

These increased healthcare pressures are further compounded by systemic issues like underfunding, growing numbers of individuals with chronic diseases, and the socioeconomic challenges of poverty which impact nutrition and living conditions. Addressing these concerns effectively requires a proactive approach. Here’s how primary care and communities can prepare for the winter pressures in 2025 and beyond.

Enhance vaccination campaigns

Vaccination remains a cornerstone of preventive care during winter. Flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines are crucial in reducing severe illness, hospitalisations, and transmission. To ensure effective vaccination coverage:

focus on high-risk populations, including the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and young children
provide accessible vaccination opportunities beyond standard office hours to reach more individuals
inform patients about the benefits of vaccines and the diseases they prevent, enhancing uptake and compliance.

Manage worsening chronic conditions

Chronic conditions often worsen in winter, making proactive management essential:

conduct reviews in the autumn to update management plans and ensure patients have access to necessary rescue medications
virtual consultations can help to facilitate check-ins and monitor chronic diseases, minimising exposure to waiting room germs
educate patients on managing their conditions at home, including medication use, seeking help when needed, and home remedies.

Support mental health

Winter can exacerbate mental health issues due to increased isolation, higher living costs, and seasonal affective disorders:

regularly screen for mental health issues, especially in at-risk groups like the elderly and those living alone. Provide early intervention and offer referrals to mental health resources
collaborate with local mental health services, spiritual places, community hubs, and charities to build a robust support network for vulnerable individuals.
implement or support ‘look after your neighbour’ campaigns to reach vulnerable individuals
offer resources for 24-hour support, such as the new 111 mental health support line, and information on coping strategies and family support.

Prioritise elderly, frailty and palliative care patients

identify the most vulnerable people and actively engage with them, their carers, or their families, to create holistic management plans
document patients’ wishes in cases of deterioration, end of life, and optimum places of care. Communicate these to out-of-hours providers. Keep documentation in the practice, with the patient, and their next of kin, so all are aware of key decisions
ensure patients and their families have a way to communicate with the practice, or other teams within their care, (for example, chronic disease specialist nurses or palliative care teams), in and out of hours to avoid delays to management
ensure medications and equipment for patients are in stock, at home or available should they be needed – this is especially important for those on the palliative care register.

Reduce A&E and hospital admissions

Effective management of conditions in primary care and local hubs can alleviate pressure on emergency departments:

establish regional clinics to handle infections and minor ailments, reducing the burden on GP appointments and A&E
share resources and personnel among practices, outreach clinics, pharmacies, and specialist clinicians to bridge care gaps. Extend hours and improve communication with secondary care for smoother referrals and reduced treatment delays
lean on resources that can support you. Professionals such as paramedics, physiotherapists and advanced nurse practitioners can bring unique skills and expertise to manage patients effectively and quickly to support primary care and the community. For example, paramedics could assess and manage patients on home visits as well as seeing acute illness within primary care, or primary care-based physiotherapists could directly manage MSK conditions that may worsen over winter - effectively streamlining and creating more efficient management pathways to support services.

Incorporate data-driven planning

Effective winter preparation relies on data to anticipate and manage increased demand:

review data from previous winters to identify trends and plan accordingly
assess how increased patient numbers will affect service delivery to ensure resources are adequately allocated.

Pay attention to workforce wellbeing

Addressing staff wellbeing is crucial for maintaining service quality:

implement backup plans for staff sickness and consider flexible rotas to prevent burnout. Plan for additional locum cover during peak times
provide access to wellbeing resources, counselling services, and peer support groups. Ensure staff health is protected with vaccinations and encourage a positive work environment
maintain morale with activities like a Christmas party, at a time that will help and not hinder overwhelmed staff and acknowledge staff efforts.

Get involved

Engage with the community to promote winter wellness and support:

run public health campaigns on staying warm, active, and maintaining good nutrition. Advise on self-care and when to seek medical help
collaborate with councils and voluntary organisations to support vulnerable populations with access to warm spaces and food banks
encourage local networks to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, helping to prevent isolation and monitor health.

By addressing any, or all the points above, your services will be better placed to support winter pressures and provide effective care to those in need. For more information on solutions or partners that can help you manage winter pressures, please speak to your account manager or get in touch below.

Disclaimer:

This article was prepared by Dr Krishna Vakharia in a personal capacity. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by the author of this piece belong to the author and do not purport to represent the views, thoughts and opinions of Optum. Any general health information contained in this article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for your doctor’s care.

About the author

Dr Krishna Vakharia

Chief Medical Officer – Health

Krishna oversees multiple areas at Optum UK, including EMIS‑X, EMIS-Web and population health products, amongst others. She is an NHS GP, appraiser and regular dermatology examiner, with additional qualifications in women’s health and dermatology.