The Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire met on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, to discuss the winter preparedness plan for 2026/27 and receive an update from North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. The committee also reviewed its work programme and discussed various health-related announcements and reports.

NHS Winter Planning in Lincolnshire for 2026/27

The committee received a comprehensive update on the NHS Winter Plan for 2026/27, developed collaboratively by the Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Cluster. Natalie Liddle, Head of Health Protection, and Gemma Whysall, Director of Commissioning at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, presented the plan, which focuses on preventing avoidable admissions, facilitating timely discharges, maximising community alternatives, and protecting elective and cancer care.

The plan has been stress-tested against baseline, surge, and super-surge scenarios, incorporating demand forecasting and system-wide challenges such as workforce pressures, infection outbreaks, and financial constraints. Key Lincolnshire-specific actions include maximising virtual ward capacity, implementing a seven-day district nursing model, and strengthening community-based services like Hospital at Home and Urgent Community Response (UCR). The committee was assured that the plan accounts for Lincolnshire's rurality and coastal geography, with specific attention paid to seasonal demand.

Discussions highlighted the importance of clear definitions for initiatives like virtual wards, Hospital at Home, and UCR, with clarification provided on their distinct roles in remote monitoring and urgent community response. Concerns were raised about the impact of broadband availability on the effectiveness of virtual wards, particularly in rural areas, and the need for government pressure to improve digital infrastructure. The committee also discussed the challenges of patient discharge, especially for vulnerable individuals during winter, and the importance of voluntary sector support.

The vaccination programme was reported to be on track, with efforts to accelerate uptake among children and eligible priority groups. Data from the Southern Hemisphere was being closely monitored to anticipate respiratory illness trends, with influenza identified as the primary concern for the upcoming winter. The committee noted that while demand is high, current planning and operational grip are considered robust, with a seven-day system coordination centre in place.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Update

Joel Harrison, Chief Finance Officer, and Sonia Gardiner, Chief Operating Officer, provided an update on behalf of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT). They highlighted the successful opening of the new Stanford Day Treatment Unit, which has increased procedure capacity by 19% and seen a 23% increase in Lincolnshire patients being treated. The phlebotomy service at Stanford Hospital was also reported to be more manageable due to increased local primary care provision and efforts to implement a booking system.

The committee heard about plans for the Fever Tree wards at Stanford Hospital, with a condition survey commissioned to assess their future use. While preserving the heritage of the wards is a priority, the focus is on pragmatic solutions for their repurposing, potentially as an asset for the local community.

Significant progress has been made in reducing corridor care, particularly at Peterborough City Hospital, with a 65% reduction reported in August compared to July. This has been achieved through increased assessment capacity and strengthened oversight processes.

Discussions also touched upon staff morale, with the Trust actively encouraging staff to participate in the national NHS staff survey and implementing a cultural improvement programme driven by staff feedback. The committee was assured that efforts are being made to improve the working environment and address staff concerns.

Councillor Kelham Cooke, a local county councillor for Stamford, praised the Day Treatment Centre and expressed commitment to the Stamford Hospital site. Questions were raised about the reinvestment of funds from the sale of the West End of the site, car parking challenges, and the potential for future service development at Stamford Hospital. The Trust confirmed its commitment to the Stamford site and its ambition to increase car parking capacity.

Chairman's Announcements and Work Programme

Councillor Richard Cleaver, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, provided announcements, including updates on the Patient Services Hub programme, childhood vaccination access, stroke pathways, and the National Cancer Board. The committee reviewed its work programme, with future items including GP services, primary care, stroke services, and neighbourhood health plans. A discussion was held regarding the potential introduction of a vaccination uptake item to the committee structure, with officers to explore its feasibility.

Other Announcements and Reports

Several other announcements and reports were noted by the committee:

• NHS Capital Investment: Over £1.5 billion has been announced for NHS hospital safety, resilience, and maintenance, with Lincolnshire set to benefit from investment in community mental health centres and an integrated mental health emergency department in Boston.
• Record Summer Demand on NHS Urgent and Emergency Care: NHS England reported the busiest summer on record for A&E attendances and ambulance call-outs, with efforts to manage demand and improve patient flow.
• Upfront Placement Support for Healthcare Students: New arrangements aim to reduce travel and accommodation costs for healthcare students undertaking placements, particularly in rural and coastal areas like Lincolnshire.
• National Cancer Board: A reformed board will scrutinise progress against the National Cancer Plan, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and inequalities.
• Protection of Patient Records: NHS England has strengthened its approach to staff suspected of improperly accessing patient records, with immediate suspension and removal of access.
• National Expansion of Community Mental-Health Support: A programme to expand community mental health facilities across England was noted, with clarification sought on Lincolnshire's potential benefit.
• Thirlwall Inquiry: The government's response to the inquiry into the Lucy Letby case highlighted the importance of robust leadership, governance, and safeguarding across the NHS.
• Urgent NHS Dental Care in Lincolnshire: A report indicated that urgent dental treatments delivered in Lincolnshire were above the national target.
• Home HPV Testing for Cervical Screening: Lincolnshire is participating in a national rollout of home HPV testing kits to improve cervical screening uptake.
• New Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Newsletter: A new communication channel has been launched to share health and care news across the three ICB areas.
• CQC Report on Community Learning Disability and Autism Services: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's services received a Good rating overall.
• Martha's Rule and Patient-Safety Escalation: The Call for Concern service, associated with Martha's Rule, has been extended to Grantham and District Hospital, with national expansion planned.
• Aspirations for the Future of Healthcare in Lincolnshire: Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group outlined its long-term vision for integrated, community-focused healthcare.
• Shaping Hospital and Community Services: An engagement exercise has been launched to gather views on the future delivery of healthcare services in Lincolnshire.
• Lincolnshire team wins national patient safety award: The team behind Lincolnshire's Rapid Access Angina Clinics received an award for their innovative work.
• Healthwatch Experiences of Leaving Hospital: Healthwatch Lincolnshire launched a survey to gather feedback on hospital discharge experiences.
• East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS): Updates were provided on a new Electronic Patient Record system, the Annual General Meeting, and the recognition of Emergency Operations Centre staff.