The National Health Service has confirmed that flu cases in England have surged in the Christmas and New Year period, with over 5000 patients hospitalised with the virus.
This is almost 3.5 times higher than the same week last year, with 211 patients in critical care each day. Hospitals are also facing pressure from norovirus and RSV, with an increase in the number of children and Covid patients requiring hospitalization.
To prepare for the expected rise in winter pressures, the NHS has opened 1,301 more beds compared to last year. Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, expressed concern about the rising cases of flu and other viruses, with extreme cold temperatures expected.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.”
“On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.
“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions so if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.”
Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, acknowledged the challenges faced by the NHS and emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in and reforming the healthcare system. Streeting stressed the importance of addressing the social care crisis to prevent annual winter crises in the NHS.
