Winter news and guidance

NHS England’s winter news, advice from Clinical Directors and blogs can be found here.

It is important the public know what they need to do to keep well and advice on how to keep well and where to get expert advice will be given throughout the winter and can be found on NHS Choices.

Cold weather alert: level 3 – cold weather action

Issued at 8.45am on Monday 13 March 2023 There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 3pm on Monday 13 March and 9am on Thursday 16 March in parts of England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […]

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Cold weather alert: Level 2 – alert and readiness

Issued at 8.52am on Sunday 12 March 2023 There is a 80% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 6pm on Monday 13 March and 9am on Thursday 16 March in parts of England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […]

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NHS continues to make huge strides reducing waits for patients despite winter pressures

The number of people waiting longest for routine care has fallen, despite hospitals having to contend with high levels of winter viruses and strike action, new figures show today. Thanks to the hard work of staff, the NHS is making significant progress against its elective recovery plan, with the number of people waiting over 18 […]

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Cold weather alert: level 3 – cold weather action

Issued at 10.40am on Wednesday 8 March 2023. There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0900 on Wednesday 08 Mar and 0900 on Monday 13 Mar in parts of England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […]

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Cold weather alert: level 3 – cold weather action

Issued at 8.34am on Monday 6 March 2023. There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 9am on Monday 6 March and midnight on Thursday 9 March in parts of England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […]

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Cold weather alert: level 3 – cold weather action

Issued at 8.47am on Friday 3 March 2023. There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow between 12.01am on Monday 6 March and 11.59pm on Thursday 9 March in parts of England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find […]

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Cold weather alert: Level 2 – alert and readiness

Issued at 10.56am on Thursday 2 March 2023. There is at least a 60% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between Monday 6 March and midnight on Wednesday 8 March across England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying well this […]

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NHS weekly winter operational update for the week ending 26 February 2023

Commenting on the NHS Weekly Winter Operational Update for the week ending 26 February 2023, NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “There are almost 5,000 more patients in NHS hospital beds every day compared to this time last year and the average number of patients in hospital who no longer meet the […]

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NHS weekly winter operational update for the week ending 19 February 2023

Commenting on the NHS performance figures published today, NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “Today’s figures show pressure on the NHS remains high with almost 5,000 more patients in hospitals than this time last year, while Covid cases continue to increase. “Despite this, NHS staff are working remarkably hard and we now have […]

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