HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 c194W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the impact on(a) public health and (b) NHS capacity of a new influenza strain entering the United Kingdom. [141703]

Miss Melanie Johnson

All strategic health authorities have developed stringent winter plans to cope with increased seasonal demand for health services. These set out escalation procedures, such as the opening of additional beds, in the event of increased pressure on the national health service.

Hospital trusts have also been preparing for winter by profiling elective activity through the year to ensure maximum availability of beds for the seasonal winter rise in emergency admissions.