1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 This report presents information on how well local health and care services coped with winter pressures in 2022-23. The report complements the paper on winter planning 2022-23 that was presented to the 23 November 2022 HOSC meeting.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That Committee notes the information on health and care system performance over the winter 202223 period; and notes the lessons learnt from this.

3. Context and background information

3.1 Health & Care systems typically experience a surge in activity during the winter months. This is partly due to seasonal infectious illnesses (flu, norovirus); but also because colder weather exacerbates a range of pre-existing problems (e.g. respiratory and circulatory conditions). Extreme weather may also lead to greater levels of activity. The presence of Covid presents an additional risk at the current time. Increases in demand for services can put a severe strain on systems, most obviously emergency healthcare. This is particularly the case when systems are at or near to capacity at all times of the year.

3.2 In order to manage this seasonal demand surge, health & care systems are required to develop whole system (e.g. Sussex) winter plans. In November 2022, NHS commissioners and BHCC Health & Adult Social Care (HASC) presented on Sussex winter planning to the HOSC: https://democracy.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=911&MId=10889&Ver=4

3.3 Typically, the HOSC considers a report on winter planning in the autumn of a year and then a report on how the system performed in reality in the spring or early summer of the following year. NHS Sussex has provided information on system performance over winter 22/23 (Appendix 1).

4. Analysis and consideration of alternative options

4.1 Not relevant to this information report.

5. Community engagement and consultation

5.1 Not relevant to this information report.

6. Conclusion

6.1 Members are asked to note health and care system performance across the past winter and to note the lessons learnt for future planning.

7. Financial implications

7.1 None for this information report.

8. Legal implications

8.1 There are no legal implications to this report.

Name of lawyer consulted: Elizabeth Culbert Date consulted 01/06/23

9. Equalities implications

9.1 None directly to this report for information.

10. Sustainability implications

10.1 None directly to this report for information.

Supporting Documentation

1. Appendices [delete if not applicable]

1. Information provided by NHS Sussex on system performance winter 2022-23.