Winter pressures to hit NHS soon, chiefs warn

NHS pressures are set to begin in the coming weeks as hospitals brace for the start of winter, according to Manchester health chiefs.

- By HELENA VESTY

The city's health bosses are anticipating that demand on NHS services will rise in October and November, signalling the 'start of winter' for patients.

"The preparation for winter begins as early as June, and winter doesn't start in December actually, winter probably starts around October, November time," said Manchester council's executive member for healthy Manchester and adult social care, Coun Thomas Robinson.

"Really, respiratory illnesses begin to spike about six weeks after children go back to school.

"That's why we constantly bang the drum over the cold and flu immunisations. This is something that we do all year round."

The NHS in Greater Manchester has been beleaguered over the last six winters, according to local GP chiefs.