The Associate Director of Transformation and Partnerships (NHS Cheshire and Merseyside) introduced the report which provided a summary of Wirral Health and Care System’s preparations for winter 2022/23. It was reported that Wirral like other places across Cheshire and Merseyside was facing ongoing significant challenges within Urgent and Emergency and Care (UEC) pathways and that winter may be more challenging than most in respect of the cost-of-living crisis. In response, Wirral’s plan included initiatives within hospital such as new Virtual Wards to support people with Frailty and Respiratory conditions as well as out of hospital investment being made into securing more GP appointments, community beds and domiciliary care capacity.

Joint work between the NHS and Wirral Council was underway to support people affected by the cost-of-living crisis such as introducing Warm Hub locations. The plan had been developed across Health and Care Partners within Wirral such as the local hospital, community trust, primary care, social care and voluntary sectors. Wirral’s plan was still to be submitted for evaluation to NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS England.

Following updates from provider representatives, a discussion ensued on the capacity of emergency care in hospitals, which was reported at 99.2% capacity with the capacity protocol having been implemented twice in the week leading up to the meeting. The Board considered the system approach to dealing with hospital capacity including a focus on preventative measures and communications to the public about what other services were available and often more appropriate than emergency hospital care. It was noted that the winter plan for 2022/23 had notable differences to previous winter plans with an emphasis on the home first approach.

Resolved – That the preparations being made by Wirral’s Health and Care System partners for Winter 2022/23 be noted.