Behind the scenes at Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, extensive planning is already well under way across our hospitals and community services. Together, we’re focused on one clear goal: keeping our patients safe and services running smoothly through the months ahead.
Our urgent and emergency care teams are working closely with ambulance and community colleagues to improve patient flow and reduce waiting times. Our front door streaming services- Same Day Emergency Care, and virtual ward models are all being strengthened so that more patients can be assessed, treated, and supported without the need for admission. This helps free up hospital beds for those who need them most.
In our communities, integrated teams are stepping up home-based support to help prevent avoidable hospital admissions and to speed up safely discharging patients. Our focus on ‘home first’ means that wherever possible, patients can recover in familiar surroundings rather than spending longer than necessary in hospital.
Vaccination remains a key part of our winter plan. We’re encouraging all staff and eligible members of the public to take up both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves, their families, and those they care for. Every jab given helps reduce illness, absence, and pressure on frontline services.
Staff wellbeing also sits at the heart of our preparations. We know winter can be demanding, so we’re ensuring colleagues have access to wellbeing resources, rest areas, and peer support. Looking after each other is just as important as looking after our patients.
This winter will undoubtedly bring challenges, but it will also show the strength of our Lincolnshire system — united, resilient, and focused on delivering the best possible care.
Thank you to every member of staff across our hospitals, community services, and partner organisations for your continued commitment. Together, we will keep Lincolnshire well this winter.