NHS urges Sussex residents to get ‘winter ready’

People across Sussex are being urged to take simple steps now to protect their health and prepare for the colder months.

NHS leaders have issued the advice as part of a new Winter Plan for 2026/27, agreed by the NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board on Wednesday 30 September.

It is the first time a single winter plan has been developed across Surrey and Sussex, bringing together lessons from previous years with plans from NHS organisations across the region.

The plan is aimed at helping people stay well, making sure patients can get the right support when they need it and reducing pressure on health and care services during the winter.

Doctors are encouraging people to get “winter ready” by taking up flu and Covid-19 vaccinations if eligible, ordering repeat prescriptions in good time and seeking help early if an existing health condition worsens.

People are also being encouraged to make use of community pharmacies and local services where appropriate, keep warm, active and hydrated, and use NHS 111 if they need urgent medical advice but are unsure where to turn.

Professor Andrew Rhodes, Joint Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said: “Winter can be a challenging time for our health, particularly for older people, people living with long-term conditions and those who may be more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

“There are things we can all do now to help ourselves and the people we care for. Taking up vaccinations when you are eligible, making sure you have the medicines you need, looking after long-term conditions and asking for help when something doesn’t feel right can all make a difference.

“Our message is simple: don’t wait until you become seriously unwell. Get winter ready now and know where to turn if you need help.”

The winter plan covers hospitals, community services, mental health, ambulance services, NHS 111 and primary care.

Measures include vaccination and infection prevention programmes, strengthening primary and community care, expanding virtual wards and care at home, improving hospital discharge and helping people access alternatives to hospital where clinically appropriate.

Professor Rhodes added: “NHS teams work incredibly hard throughout the year, but we know winter brings additional demand and we need to prepare together.

“We have a clear plan to make the best use of the NHS services we have, intervening earlier where we can to get the support right now, and helping people receive care in the most appropriate place if they need care over the winter months.

“It is also about being honest that the NHS cannot prepare for winter alone. We all have a part to play, from NHS organisations and our partners to individuals and families across Surrey and Sussex.”

The NHS says it will continue monitoring demand, service pressures, risks and the impact of winter measures throughout the season.

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