Plans are being set in place to meet surges in demand for health care as the winter weather takes hold.

Director of public health Dee Kyle told a meeting of the Bradford South and West Primary Care Trust yesterday that the health service is gearing up for bad weather and increased levels of illnesses.

She said: "Winter planning is something we have been doing thoroughly for the past few years and we try to build on it every year.

"Traditionally we have seen that there is a higher death rate during the winter and the extremely cold weather can cause health problems.

"Things like the recent flash flooding can threaten public health and it is important to really plan for those in advance and minimise the disruption to the normal services."

Dr Kyle explained that such planning continues throughout the year to deal with other extreme weather but that the winter planning strategy will start in autumn, with detailed plans being publicised in November.

At the moment the planning team is updating its contingency strategies.

As well as monitoring levels of flu-like illnesses and tracking potential epidemics, there will be a constant watch on the weather to alert medics about possible disruption in advance.

Dr Kyle added: "One of the main developments this year is the appointment of advanced practitioner nurses to work with vulnerable patients. These nurses will be able to keep a proper check on patients with chronic or long-term illnesses in their own homes. They will be able to provide support and help patients get to and from their hospital appointments if need be."

She said the PCT would be working with the West Yorkshire Ambulance Service to stop less urgent patients from being taken to hospital where possible. "This will ensure that only the right people are hospitalised so that patient flow can be maintained across the system," she said.

Leaflets will be available for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or regular healthcare users.

Dr Kyle said: "The key is communication. People need to prepare properly for the winter and stock up on medication they might need and take care of themselves."