This briefing examines the performance of the NHS over the three peak winter months covering December 2016 to February 2017. The analysis finds that the number of temporary beds opened to cope with demand on A & E units in the busiest part of the winter was equivilent to eight additional hospitals. The briefing calls for a formal review of how the NHS manages winter pressures, with a focus on the ring-fencing of winter funding and the impact of cancelling non-urgent operations.