Norfolk could face a care crisis this winter, experts have warned, with demand for health and social care help already soaring.
Two of Norfolk's hospitals declared critical incidents earlier this month as pressure builds on the NHS ahead of one of the busiest times of the year.
And leaders at Norfolk County Council are braced for a significant surge in demand for adult social care from people who need extra support after being discharged from hospital.
The Conservative-controlled council says it is investing millions of pounds to ensure people get support.
But critics said the council is "planning for a heavy downpour" when it could face an "approaching tsunami".
The council's cabinet rubber-stamped its winter plan to cope with the seasonal pressures at a meeting last week.
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The plans include using hospital discharge hubs, where £1.2m has been invested in teams to identify care people will need when they leave hospital - and get it in place.
The council is also offering £800,000 in incentives for home care providers to ensure people leaving hospital get support.
Alison Thomas, cabinet member for adult social services, said: "Winter is always a time of increased calls on our health and social care sectors, and everyone who works in these areas knows just how demanding the season can be.
"By preparing for the winter, and making the proper investments in reablement and support for individuals and providers, we’re making sure Norfolk is well placed to meet those demands and provide the care and support our residents need."
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But Steve Morphew, leader of the opposition Labour group at County Hall, said: "It feels like planning for a heavy downpour while ignoring the approaching tsunami.
"Critical incidents were declared at the N&N and James Paget at the beginning of November which means a crisis is declaring itself to be upon us already."
Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "There is still a crisis in Norfolk’s adult care sector which is edging ever closer to collapse – if the issues surrounding recruitment and retention of social care workers are not addressed then many residents will fall through the cracks."
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