EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST TRUST BOARD ...

1. INTRODUCTION
The plan provides an overview of the key East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT)
policies, procedures and Divisional Operational Plans necessary to ensure that winter
demand and capacity pressures are managed effectively.
The aim of the plan is to ensure that all staff are aware of what information and guidance is
available to support them in coping with periods of high demand, enabling a co-ordinated
approach to maintaining patient flow and positive clinical outcomes.
The plan utilises Trust polices and procedures, Regional and National guidance and Care
Quality Commission Standards.
For the purpose of this plan the winter season is defined as the beginning of November 2012
to the end of March 2013, when higher than normal levels of emergency medical
attendances / admissions are expected.
It is also recognised that this is a holiday period (Christmas and New Year) when normal
services are reduced.
The plan has been reviewed by all Divisions and will be measured against the NHS North
West Assurance checklist.
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