Dan Jarvis – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2016-04-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to develop a national cross-departmental strategy for reducing and eliminating excess winter deaths.

Jane Ellison

Excess winter deaths occur due to a range of complex issues, including circulating infections such as influenza.

Public Health England (PHE) oversees the implementation of the national flu immunisation programme working closely with the Department and the National Health Service. PHE publishes an annual Flu Plan ahead of the flu season each year which sets out a coordinated and evidence-based approach to planning for, and responding to, the demands of influenza across England.

PHE publishes the Cold Weather Plan for England (CWP), in collaboration with the Department, NHS England and the Local Government Association. This aims to avoid preventable illness and deaths in winter by setting out a series of actions for organisations, communities and individuals, to take throughout the year. The CWP is underpinned by a Cold Weather Alert Service provided by the Met Office. The plan is fully aligned with additional guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on reducing excess winter mortality and morbidity and the health risks associated with cold homes.

PHE also co-ordinates the cross-government Keep Warm Keep Well booklet which provides information for older people, those on low incomes and those with disabilities about keeping healthy in the winter and the financial help and benefits available.

The Cabinet office-led ‘Winter Resilience Network’ has regular cross-government meetings throughout the winter months. Key guidance is provided on the ‘Get Ready for Winter’ website, which is hosted by the Met Office.