Staffordshire NHS Launches Vaccination Drive to Tackle Winter Surge

NHS leaders in Staffordshire are initiating a renewed vaccination campaign to manage hospital admissions this winter. Last year, the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) faced critical incidents due to overwhelming demand for services, largely driven by seasonal respiratory illnesses such as flu, Covid-19, and RSV. To mitigate these pressures, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) aims to vaccinate as many individuals as possible.

The vaccination campaign is central to the integrated care system’s winter strategy. Patients will have opportunities for vaccinations during appointments and prior to discharge. Phil Smith, the chief delivery officer at the ICB, emphasized the significance of this year’s approach, stating, “The plan this year is fundamentally different. It places an equal emphasis on the role played by all partners, particularly around vaccinations and the value that vaccinations provide in terms of the winter response.” Smith urged community members to promote vaccination efforts, acknowledging that uptake can be challenging.

“The plan has to remain dynamic and respond to need, so we’ll be paying very close attention to the UK Health Security Agency data,”

he added. This year, respiratory-related illnesses have begun to spike earlier than usual, starting in September, prompting the need for a responsive strategy.

Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and pregnant women, are eligible for NHS vaccinations, with specific criteria for different vaccines. Hayley Allison, the portfolio director for delivery improvement at the ICB, discussed efforts to enhance vaccination rates among these groups. She noted, “Uptake rates have really dropped in the past few years, so we have a renewed focus this year looking at how we can capture some of those patients who might be accessing services.”

Allison highlighted the importance of vaccinating patients during routine consultations, which could prevent severe illness and reduce the need for acute care. Preliminary data suggests that the vaccination programme has been successful, with further statistics expected to confirm this trend.

In addition to the vaccination initiative, the winter plan includes expanded GP appointments and a coordinated care approach that operates around the clock. This strategy aims to direct patients to appropriate services without necessarily resorting to emergency care.

The ICB anticipates that demand for hospital beds will peak at **286** in January 2024, prompting measures such as opening additional beds at the Royal Stoke Hospital and community hospitals. Admission avoidance strategies, including “virtual wards,” will allow patients to receive hospital-level care at home. Despite these preparations, the ICB is expecting a shortfall of six beds in January and is actively working to address this issue.

The committee assured that the winter plan will not depend on temporary escalation spaces, like corridors or the backs of ambulances, although such measures may be necessary “in extremis.” The focus remains on providing comprehensive care while managing the anticipated surge in demand effectively.