More than 3,000 patients were in hospital with flu each day in the run-up to Christmas, new NHS England figures have revealed, as health leaders warn that services remain under severe strain.
NHS Data Shows Slight Dip But Sustained Pressure
The latest weekly snapshot shows that an average of 3,061 hospital beds in England were occupied by flu patients daily in the week ending December 21. This marks a minor decrease from the 3,140 average recorded the week before.
Within these figures, an average of 117 flu patients required critical care beds each day, down from 128 the previous week. Notably, the total number of flu patients in hospital beds dropped below the 3,000 threshold for the final four days of that seven-day period.
Health Leaders Issue Cautious Warnings
Despite the marginal decline, both political and clinical leaders have stressed that the National Health Service is not yet in the clear. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that flu was "continuing to be a challenge" and cautioned, "we are not out of the woods."
He highlighted a positive step in the vaccination campaign, noting that over half a million more flu jabs have been delivered this year compared to the same period last year.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's National Medical Director, echoed the cautious tone. She stated there were signs of "calmer waters" but emphasised that "pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high." She warned that the situation could deteriorate with falling temperatures forecast for the coming days.
Cold Alert and Wider System Strains
The UK Health Security Agency has placed the whole of England under an amber cold health alert. This level is activated when weather conditions are likely to have a significant impact on health and social care services.
The weekly data also showed a welcome fall in norovirus-like symptoms, with an average of 285 beds occupied daily by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting, down from 427.
However, underlying pressure on the system is intense. Hospital bed occupancy across England remains at around 95%, a level far above what is considered safe for efficient operation. Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation pointed out that thousands of patients who are medically fit for discharge remain in hospital due to a lack of available social care.
Professor Pandit and Mr. Streeting both paid tribute to NHS staff for their efforts in delivering care under "extraordinary pressure." The Health Secretary added that modernisation efforts, including embracing digital tools, were helping to improve ambulance handover times and patient flow.
