This page was last updated at 1pm on 18 November 2025.
Update: Respiratory illness pack for care homes.
Public Health messages
Winter preparedness letters are sent out to care home managers and home care providers to ensure staff are prepared and confident in supporting vulnerable individuals to protect their health and wellbeing during winter.
The letters include cold weather plans and useful information and resources for staff, including winter posters and leaflets.
The content of the letters is based on national guidance produced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) feedback
YAS would like to hear about your experience of being a provider around the service you receive. Your feedback is important, because it helps YAS to understand where they can make improvements and where they are providing a good service.
Tell us what you think about YASRespiratory illness pack for care homes
The respiratory illness and outbreak pack for care homes for winter 2025/26 is intended to help care homes detect and notify about respiratory outbreaks quickly, to minimise the impact of outbreaks this winter. The average length of outbreaks has been shown to be significantly reduced by prompt escalation to the UKHSA.
The UKHSA's number has changed to 0300 303 0234 for both in hours and out of hours, which we have updated on the documents.
Important reminder for accessing antivirals
Although many community pharmacies local to you can access stock quickly, you have the option to send prescriptions directly to Asda Killingbeck who hold a stock of Oseltamivir 75 and 30mg capsules specifically for care homes, to meet the requirements of starting treatment within 48 hours.
Address: Asda Pharmacy, Killingbeck Drive, Leeds, LS14 6UF
Phone: 0113 201 9510
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm.
