Health officials in England have issued a stark warning that the worst of the winter virus season is far from over, as new data reveals a significant post-Christmas spike in flu cases and severe pressure on ambulance services.
Post-Festive Surge in Flu Admissions
According to the latest figures from NHS England, the number of people occupying hospital beds with flu averaged 2,924 each day in the week ending January 4. This marks a concerning 9% increase from the 2,666 patients recorded the previous week, reversing a previous downward trend.
The data indicates that festive gatherings over Christmas and the New Year period may have caused a "bounce back" in winter viruses. The current figure remains below the peak of 3,140 daily flu patients seen in the week to December 14, but the upward trajectory is causing alarm.
Ambulance Handover Delays Hit Winter High
The strain on the health service is further evidenced by a sharp deterioration in ambulance handover times outside hospitals. Last week, 33% of patients arriving by ambulance waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams.
This is a significant jump from 18% the week before and represents the highest level recorded so far this winter. The week included New Year's Eve, traditionally one of the busiest nights for emergency crews.
More critically, 12% of handovers (affecting 11,805 patients) were delayed by over an hour, soaring from just 4% the previous week and also hitting a new winter peak.
System Under Intense Pressure
Overall hospital bed occupancy in England also rose, up 5% on the previous week to just under 92%. NHS national medical director, Professor Meghana Pandit, stated the service is facing a dual challenge from viruses and winter weather.
"It's clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter," Professor Pandit said. "Hospitals again experienced a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week. The cold weather also means we are seeing more vulnerable patients with respiratory problems in A&E and more injuries from slips and falls."
Despite the immense pressure, Professor Pandit emphasised that people should still come forward for care when needed. She also reiterated the importance of vaccination, stating: "There are still plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated and get protected against flu."
