The NHS in England has been placed on 'high alert' as the number of patients hospitalised with flu has surged dramatically, reaching the highest level ever recorded for this period of the year. This significant pressure comes as the health service contends with ongoing industrial action by junior doctors.
Record-Breaking Flu Admissions Across England
Official figures reveal that an average of 3,140 people were in hospital each day with flu by the end of last week. This marks a sharp 18% increase compared to the previous seven days and sets a new record for this point in the winter season. The scale of the surge becomes even clearer when compared to previous years; at the same time in 2022, the daily average was 2,629 patients, while in 2023 it stood at just 648.
Regional Variations and Critical Care Pressure
While the national picture is one of intense pressure, the trend is not uniform across the country. In a potential sign of hope, flu cases in hospitals in the north-west of England fell by 4% over the past week. However, other regions are experiencing steep rises. Admissions soared by 39% in the east of England and by a concerning 40% in the south-west.
The severity of cases is also increasing. Last week, 128 flu patients required critical care beds across England, up from 106 the week before. Separately, hospitals are also grappling with a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses. An average of 427 beds were filled daily by patients with diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms, a jump of more than a fifth (21%) week-on-week.
'Nowhere Near Out of the Woods' Amid Strike Action
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's National Medical Director, offered a cautious assessment. She noted that while flu case numbers are not rising as rapidly as initially feared in some areas, the NHS is 'nowhere near out of the woods yet'.
Her warning comes as resident doctors across England began the second of five planned days of strike action in a dispute over pay. Professor Pandit stated, 'Combined with the impact of strikes, a stream of winter viruses means many hospitals will be on high alert in the days ahead.' Despite the immense strain, she emphasised that 'it remains vital that people continue to come forward for NHS care as normal' for urgent and emergency needs.
The confluence of record-breaking seasonal virus admissions and industrial action presents one of the most severe winter challenges the NHS has faced in recent years, with health leaders urging the public to use services responsibly.
