Innovation and preparation will ensure that NHS Lanarkshire is ready to meet the challenges of winter head on.

NHS Lanarkshire has in place a robust plan so that patients continue to receive high quality care through the winter months.

Craig Cunningham, head of South Lanarkshire Community Health Partnership and NHS Lanarkshire’s winter planning lead, said: “Norovirus, colds, flu and winter weather all make this the health service’s busiest time of year.

“We have a tried and tested approach to winter planning in Lanarkshire, which we are improving every year with innovative approaches to ensure we can provide a rapid and effective response during the periods of greatest pressure.”

The Lanarkshire winter plan involves all parts of NHS Lanarkshire including GP surgeries, the primary care out of hours service, pharmacies, acute hospitals and staff partnership.

It has been developed with partners including North and South Lanarkshire Councils, Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24 to ensure we are all working together to keep the people of Lanarkshire healthy and safe this winter. The partners will test the plan at a joint winter resilience event.

This year’s plan includes additional opening hours for nearly half of Lanarkshire’s GP practices on the Mondays following Christmas and New Year.

New approaches to telehealth mean respiratory and cardiovascular health staff can save patients from braving the winter conditions to get to hospital by linking up using text messages.

Contingency plans are in place in case of bad weather so patients who must attend hospital services, such as those with renal disease, are able to get the treatment they need by working closely with Scottish Ambulance Service, and the roads departments of North and South Lanarkshire Councils. Patients in this situation are asked to contact the hospital directly.

For more information on the Lanarkshire winter plan visit: www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/HealthyLiving/Winter