NHS hospitals across England are grappling with a record influx of flu patients for this time of year, leading to a concerning rise in the number of children requiring intensive care. New data released by NHS England shows the service remains under severe strain, with officials warning they are "nowhere near out of the woods yet".
Record Flu Numbers and Rising Child ICU Admissions
The latest figures paint a stark picture of winter pressure. An average of 3,140 flu patients were occupying hospital beds each day last week. This marks an 18% increase from the 2,660 patients recorded the week before and is significantly higher than the 2,629 patients at this point last year. In 2023, the comparative figure was just 648.
Alongside this surge, the number of children in critical care beds is climbing. Last week saw an average of 316 children's critical care beds filled daily, up from 311 the previous week and a notable increase from 293 at the end of November.
Regional Variations and Wider Winter Pressures
While the overall trend is upward, there are regional differences. The North West of England saw a welcome 4% decrease in flu hospitalisations, with 386 patients compared to 403 the week prior. However, all other regions experienced significant rises:
- South West England: Up 40% (139 to 195 patients)
- Eastern England: Up 39% (207 to 287 patients)
- South East England: Up 33% (202 to 269 patients)
- North East England & Yorkshire: Up 21% (673 to 813 patients)
- London: Up 18% (408 to 484 patients)
- The Midlands: Up 13% (627 to 706 patients)
The pressure extends beyond flu. An average of 427 beds were filled daily by patients with diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms, a 21% weekly rise. Staff absences are also climbing, with 54,335 NHS staff off sick daily last week.
Official Warnings and Calls for Vaccination
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's National Medical Director, stated that while some areas might see slowing growth, the situation remains critical. "Combined with the impact of strikes, a stream of winter viruses means many hospitals will be on high alert in the days ahead," she said. Her comments come as junior doctors in England entered their second day of strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting described the flu as continuing to put "significant strain" on the NHS, criticising the British Medical Association's strike timing. Both officials have reiterated the vital importance of the public getting their flu vaccination to gain protection heading into the new year.
The data shows that last week, 128 flu patients were in critical care beds across England, up from 106 the previous week. The NHS is urging people to continue coming forward for care as normal while emphasising that vaccination remains the best defence against severe illness.
