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NHS winter preparedness

Winter remains a critical stress point for the NHS in England, especially for accident and emergency (A&E) and ambulance services. Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, hypothermia and falls, and may exacerbate long-term conditions like asthma and diabetes. As people congregate indoors, viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus and covid-19 spread more readily, which can lead to surges in hospitalisation.

This briefing looks at some of the reasons there are additional pressures on the NHS during the winter, and how the NHS in England seeks to address this, ensuring hospitals can cope through the colder months. It focusses on some of the pressures identified in winter 2024/25, and the plans for the NHS in England to prepare for winter 2025/26.