NHS warns hospitals remain under intense pressure with 95% of adult beds filled despite flu cases stabilising, as cold health alerts are issued for England
The NHS has issued a warning as winter viruses still circulate(Image: Getty Images)
The NHS has issued a warning that hospitals remain under significant strain, despite new data showing that flu cases are starting to stabilise. This follows a period in November and December when influenza cases exceeded typical levels for that time of year, placing immense pressure on hospitals and ambulance services.
Official figures showed that hospital admissions for influenza topped 3,000 in the week before Christmas, representing a modest drop from the week prior. Nevertheless, the NHS cautioned that hospitals continue to face considerable pressure, with approximately 95% of adult beds occupied and 94,118 patients being treated daily.
The health service attributed the reduction in cases to vaccination efforts by NHS staff, with half a million more people receiving flu jabs compared to the same timeframe last year. Overall, nearly 18.5 million people have been vaccinated against flu this year.
Flu cases have dropped in the previous week(Image: Getty Images)NHS still at risk of ‘intense pressure’
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “I want to thank NHS staff who continue to deliver care under extraordinary pressure, and the public who have come forward to get their flu jab which is helping protect the public and ease pressure on hospitals. While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high and we’re not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days.
“As the incredibly busy winter continues and hospitals clearly experience intense pressure, please do continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions. If you haven’t had your flu jab yet and are eligible, please come forward – it’s not too late.”
Numerous hazards remain for many Britons throughout the approaching winter period, with the UKHSA having issued amber and yellow cold weather health warnings across England as temperatures are forecast to plummet below zero. Additionally, various other seasonal bugs continue to spread, with an average of 707 hospital patients with Covid and 285 norovirus cases daily recorded last week.
Increased vaccinations have been thanked for helping lower flu hospitalisations(Image: Getty Images)
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This year we planned earlier than ever for winter, and that preparation is paying off. By modernising the NHS – with strong clinical leadership, embracing digital tools and putting more power in the hands of local leaders – ambulance handover times are down on last year and more patients are getting the care they need, when they need it.
“Alongside this, we have delivered more than half a million more flu jabs this year compared to the last – but we are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge. NHS staff at every level are working extremely hard to deliver the best care possible in the face of ongoing pressures.
“Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to patients have been evident throughout the Christmas period. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help keep the show on the road during a very challenging winter.”