Norovirus Hospitalisations Surge to Winter Peak Amid NHS Alert
Norovirus cases in English hospitals have reached a new winter high, with an average of 950 beds occupied daily by patients displaying symptoms last week. This figure represents a significant 15 per cent increase from the previous week's average of 823 patients and surpasses the 898 patients recorded at the same point last year, indicating a concerning upward trend in infections.
Rising Viral Pressures on Healthcare Services
Alongside the norovirus surge, hospitals also treated an average of 1,987 patients with flu and 647 with Covid-19 daily last week. While flu rates have decreased since last month's peak, the combined burden of these viruses continues to strain NHS resources. The data highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare providers during the winter season.
NHS Issues Crucial Prevention Guidance
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit has issued fresh warnings, advising the public to adopt rigorous hygiene practices. She emphasised the importance of frequent handwashing and urged individuals not to return to work, school, or visit hospitals until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. This measure is critical to preventing further spread of the highly contagious norovirus.
Ambulance Handover Times Show Improvement
Despite the higher number of ambulance handovers recorded last week, there was a notable improvement in efficiency. The average handover time decreased to 34 minutes and 32 seconds, which is nearly three minutes faster than the previous week. This development suggests some resilience in emergency response systems amid the increased viral activity.
The latest figures underscore the persistent threat of seasonal viruses to public health and the importance of adhering to NHS advice to mitigate transmission risks.
