NHS leaders in Staffordshire are implementing a renewed vaccination campaign to manage anticipated hospital admissions this winter. Following a challenging winter last year, which saw University Hospitals of North Midlands declare multiple critical incidents due to overwhelming demand, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) is prioritizing vaccinations as a key strategy to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses like flu, Covid, and RSV.
The vaccination initiative is central to the ICB’s winter plan, which aims to increase vaccine uptake among vulnerable populations, including the elderly and pregnant women. Phil Smith, chief delivery officer at the ICB, emphasized the importance of a collaborative 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.”
Targeting Vulnerable Populations
ICB officials are keen to raise awareness about the vaccination programme, as uptake rates have decreased in recent years. Hayley Allison, portfolio director for delivery improvement at the ICB, shared insights into efforts to increase vaccination rates, noting, “One of the key pillars for us is around the vaccination programmes. We have a renewed focus this year looking at how we can capture some of those patients who might be accessing services.”
The ICB plans to offer vaccines to patients during routine consultations at outpatient appointments, aiming to prevent severe cases that lead to hospital admissions. “If we could vaccinate patients as they come in for a routine consultation, we can help to reduce the number of patients who get really sick and need acute care,” Allison added. Preliminary data suggests that this initiative has been successful, with more information expected soon.
Winter Preparedness and Capacity Challenges
In addition to the vaccination campaign, the winter plan includes measures to expand GP appointments and implement around-the-clock integrated care coordination. This approach is designed to direct patients to the most appropriate services from the outset, potentially reducing reliance on acute hospitals.
The ICB anticipates a surge in demand for hospital beds, projecting a need for 286 beds in January 2024. To address this, plans are in place to open additional beds at the Royal Stoke and community hospitals. Furthermore, admission avoidance schemes, such as ‘virtual wards’ that provide hospital-level care at home, are expected to play a crucial role in managing capacity.
Despite these preparations, the ICB is preparing for a potential shortfall of six beds in January. Officials have indicated that while the winter plan will not depend on ‘temporary escalation spaces’ like corridors or parked ambulances, these options may be necessary in extreme situations.
As the winter months approach, Staffordshire NHS is focused on ensuring the health and safety of its community through proactive measures and a robust vaccination campaign.
