Health Minister Robbie Butler has called on the public to work with the Health and Social Care system to safeguard key services during the coming winter.

The six HSC Trusts and the Public Health Agency have published their Winter Surge plans, setting out how the system will respond to seasonal pressures.

Health Minister Robbie Butler said: "The HSC system faces pressure 365 days a year, but we know that winter is a particularly challenging time for our staff and services. The Trust plans aim to ensure that our system has the appropriate measures in place to deal with this additional demand. My focus is to ensure that services remain safe, resilient and responsive, while protecting both patients and staff." This year's approach prioritises whole-system preparedness and co-ordination, prevention and managing demand. There will also be a whole-hospital approach to supporting Emergency Departments to optimise patient flow and ensure access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time, from the most appropriate clinician.

Stronger departmental oversight is planned through the creation of a Surge Oversight Programme Board, providing a framework for delivery oversight, information sharing and communication.

The Minister also appealed to the public to do their part. He said: "We must all work together to protect our Health Service this winter. You can do small, simple steps, such as getting your vaccination if eligible, engaging proactively with hospital discharge processes if you or a family member are well enough to leave hospital and taking steps to stay well.

"Where you do need healthcare, I would encourage you to seek support early and from the most appropriate place to meet your need. This may not require a hospital setting, but be available within your own community, from GPs and community pharmacists.

"I would also appeal to the public to please be patient and respectful with our staff as they deal with the increased demand and strive to treat the sickest quickest."