The Welsh Government has announced its plans to help the NHS and social care to prepare for winter.
The plans focus on safer and more resilient ambulance, emergency department and acute hospital services. This includes targeting support for older people with complex needs, tackling corridor care and helping people to return home from hospital when they are ready.
NHS Wales and social care partners are being asked to plan earlier than previous years and focus on practical steps that will help people get the right care sooner.
This winter, NHS and social care services will focus on five key areas, including helping to prevent illness and trips to hospital by boosting vaccination rates, particularly for those at most risk, NHS and care staff, and children and keeping people well at home by identifying those most at risk earlier and giving them the right support to keep them out of hospital.
They will also work to free up hospital beds for those that need them most through greater focus on hygiene and infection control, and safe discharges earlier in the day and over weekends for better patient experience; help people leave hospital safely when they're ready, with better support in the community to help recovery at home; and keep community and hospital services running smoothly under pressure and look after the staff who make that possible.
A new communications programme is being developed to help people know where to go when they need care, so that emergency departments and ambulance service are there for those who need them most.
Health and Care Minister, Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "Our fantastic NHS and social care staff worked incredibly hard last winter, and we are being clear with health boards and partners more needs to be done.
"Last winter was tough – too many people waited too long for the care they needed, and that's not good enough. Early planning and action are key, and I've also asked officials to begin planning now so we're better prepared for the winters ahead.
"I am also clear that this is not just a winter challenge. The recent period of extreme heat is a clear reminder that pressures and risk can arise at any time of year. Our ambition is simple - safe services all year round that protect ambulance and hospital capacity for those who really need them, ensuring people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time."
