Agenda item - Sussex Winter Plan 2024-25

22.1    This item was presented by Tanya Brown-Griffith, ICB Director for Joint Commissioning, Brighton & Hove; Kathy Caley, Interim Service Director,Brighton & Hove Division (Primary Care and Wellbeing Services), Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT); Dr George Findlay, Chief Executive, UHSx; Nicki Smith, Director of EPPR, ICB; Dr Andy Hodson, ICB Deputy Chief Executive; and Steve Hook, Interim Corporate Director Health & Adult Social Care, BHCC.

22.2    Ms Brown-Griffith outlined the work taking place to prepare for increased demand for services across the winter months, including increasing provision for the most vulnerable, making improvements to the discharge care pathway and enhancing support for unpaid carers. Mr Hook added that effective working across the health and care system, for example in terms of admission avoidance and hospital discharge, was key to managing additional demand. Ms Smith told the committee that developing a  system winter plan is an annual process with a focus on learning from previous years.

22.3    Members asked questions on a range of issues, including on whether there were additional resources for this winter; the likely impact of cuts in the winter fuel allowance; how prevention was being prioritised; use of respite beds; and the role of the Health & Wellbeing Board in overseeing winter work, including political representation on the Board.

22.4    RESOLVED – that the report be noted.