• National Emergency Pressures Panel (NEPP) respond to winter pressures
• NEPP recommends pause on non-urgent surgery is extended to end of January 2018
• We say recommendations are sensible and proportionate

The National Emergency Pressures Panel (NEPP) has issued further recommendations in response to NHS winter pressures.

The panel has recommended that a pause of non-urgent surgery continues until the end of January. It reiterated that cancer operations and time-critical procedures go ahead as planned.

It has also recommended that sanctions for mixed sex accommodation breaches are suspended.

Responding to the statement from the National Emergency Pressures Panel, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

“Preparations for winter in the NHS have been more extensive and meticulous than ever before. It is good to see the National Emergency Pressures Panel recognises the scale of the pressures trusts face.

Many [trusts] are dealing with unprecedented demand, reflecting the recent rise in cases of flu and respiratory illness, the impact of norovirus and – in some places – primary care including GPs working at more than full stretch.

“Many are dealing with unprecedented demand, reflecting the recent rise in cases of flu and respiratory illness, the impact of norovirus and – in some places – primary care including GPs working at more than full stretch.

“The response outlined in these recommendations is sensible and proportionate.

“It is also right to highlight the advice for people who are seeking advice for non-emergencies, so staff in A & E can focus on the sickest patients.

“Trusts and frontline staff will do all they can to ensure patients receive safe, high quality care, but the environment they are working in is extremely challenging.”