Health boards across the north and north-east have set out plans for how to manage the extra demands on services this winter.
The two mainland and three island health boards received more than £3.3million from the Scottish Government for the work.
The package includes just over £2.5million to tackle bed-blocking resulting from the delayed discharge of patients from hospitals.
NHS Grampian will use part of its £2.2million to recruit more consultants and doctors, among other measures.
Dr Pauline Strachan, deputy chief executive at the north-east health authority, said: “Planning for winter is a year-round activity in the NHS and in Grampian we have built up an excellent experience and hard data from previous years which are very important in planning.”
NHS Highland has been awarded almost £1.2million – part of which will be used for a six-month pilot scheme offering alternatives to admission, as well as a round-the-clock service to treat frail older patients who have a fall at home rather than in accident and emergency departments.
NHS Western Isles will use its £86000 allocation to stabilise out of hour services through enhanced training for GPs and paramedics, and the commission of extra community care beds.
NHS Shetland is getting £58,000 and NHS Orkney £58,000 for a range of measures.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said she welcomed the commitment from health boards to cope with the extra demands posed by the season.
“Winter brings additional pressures for the health service, and this funding will help to ensure preparations are in place,” she said.
“While people can help ease the strain by stocking up their medicine cabinet, getting a free vaccination if at risk of flu and knowing when their GP surgery is closed, the NHS still needs to play its part in preparing for whatever winter might bring.”