Winter has arrived, influenza cases are rising fast, and hospitals are under great pressure due to ongoing doctors’ industrial action. It is imperative that all care providers are mitigating risks of infection those they support and their staff, and avoid hospital where possible.
Please review the actions below today to keep people safe, protect capacity, and prevent avoidable admissions.
- It’s not too late- Encourage flu vaccination uptake. Continue to promote vaccination across the workforce; remind staff why protection matters for their families and those they support. Reinforce clinic information and local routes to access the vaccine. All information can be found here.
- Strengthen continuity planning. Ensure business continuity plans are up to date and tested for staffing shortages, transport disruption and severe weather. Brief duty managers on escalation routes and rota contingencies.
- Make admission‑avoidance numbers visible. All staff should know how to contact local admission‑avoidance services before dialling 999, and have the numbers to hand on shift. Print and display the latest posters that can be found here. If you wish to make your own poster here are the key numbers:
En Herts- Early Intervention Vehicle 7 Days a week 08:00-20:00 0300 123 7571 (option 3 then option 2) & Hospital at Home 7 Days a week 08:00-20:00 0300 123 7571 (option 2)
S&W Herts- Admission Avoidance Response Care 7 Days a week 06:30-23:00 0345 601 0552 & Urgent Community Response 7 Days a week 08:00-20:00 03000 200 656
- Prioritise infection prevention and control (IPC). Refresh staff on hand hygiene, correct PPE use and storage, and enhanced cleaning schedules. Record completion and audit compliance.
Spead these key messages to the people you support, staff and families.
- It’s not too late to get vaccinated.
- If you are feeling unwell, stay at home and do not visit a care home or a vulnerable individual.
- If you have symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit contact with others—especially those who are vulnerable.
- Consider wearing a mask when you are unwell and need to go out.
- If you’re meeting people indoors, open a window for fresh air. Keep an eye on room temperature and whether anyone might be sensitive to the cold.
- Practise good hygiene: Cough into your bent elbow, or use a tissue and bin it immediately; Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap; Clean surroundings often, especially frequently touched areas such as door handles.
Useful links and contacts
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance and alerts remain the national reference for flu and IPC. For update
- UKHSA contact 0300 303 8537 or eastofenglandhpt@ukhsa.gov.uk
- Local Public Health support: Hertfordshire County Council’s Health Protection Team can advise on outbreaks, IPC queries, and local escalation routes.
- HCPA Seasonal Support: resources, webinar catch‑ups, and printable posters – hcpa.info/seasonal-support.
- HCPA hub 01707 708108 / assistance@hcpa.co.uk.