18th September 2026
SPPG Publishes Winter Surge Plan 2026/27 to Strengthen Health and Social Care Services
The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has published its SPPG Winter Surge Plan 2026/27, setting out a coordinated approach to support the Health and Social Care (HSC) system through the increased pressures typically experienced during the winter period.
The plan outlines SPPG’s key responsibilities in leading the regional primary care response, supporting the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), and overseeing and monitoring the wider HSC system response to winter pressures. It also highlights a range of service improvements already delivered across the system, including the successful “Release to Rescue” initiative, which has improved ambulance efficiency and reduced call-out times.
A major focus of the plan is the expansion of primary care capacity. Through additional GP surgeries, enhanced GP Out of Hours provision, community pharmacy services, vaccination programmes and Pharmacy First initiatives, SPPG aims to improve access to care, support prevention and reduce avoidable attendances at Emergency Departments. The plan estimates that more than 8,000 additional GP surgeries will be delivered across Northern Ireland during the winter period.
The publication also outlines the emerging role of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams in supporting approximately 10,000 of the most vulnerable and frail older people through proactive care planning, multidisciplinary support and earlier intervention closer to home. These measures are designed to help prevent hospital admissions, improve patient flow and support people to remain independent within their communities throughout the winter months.
SPPG will continue to work closely with Health and Social Care Trusts, the Public Health Agency, General Practice, Community Pharmacy and Voluntary and Community sector partners to monitor demand, coordinate responses and ensure services remain resilient throughout winter 2026/27.
For more information, read the full SPPG Winter Surge Plan 2026/27.
The links to each Trust plan are provided below for ease of reference
Northern Health and Social Care Trust – Northern Health and Social Care Trust Winter Plan 2026/2027 – Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Western Health and Social Care Trust – Winter Plan 2026/27 | Western Health & Social Care Trust
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust – SEHSCT-Winter-Surge-Plan_public-document_18.09.26-FINAL.pdf
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust – Belfast Trust Winter Surge Plan 2026/2027
Southern Health and Social Care Trust – Winter updates | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service – NIAS launches Winter Plan for 2026/27 | NIAS