The NHS is facing a “worst-case scenario” this December, as flu hospitalisations have increased by more than half in just one week, thereby placing significant pressure on hospital resources and staff.
According to new figures from NHS England, an average of 2,660 patients a day were in hospital beds with flu last week, representing the highest number ever recorded for this time of year and a 55% increase compared to the previous week.
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This daily figure equates to enough flu patients to fill more than three entire hospital trusts.
Winter viruses are impacting hospital capacity, with norovirus hospitalisations increasing by 35% to an average of 354 patients a day last week.
These surges come as demand for A&E [accident and emergency] and ambulance services continues to climb, putting additional strain on the NHS during the peak winter season.
November saw a record 2.35 million A&E attendances, more than 30,000 higher than November 2024. Ambulance incidents also rose sharply, with 802,525 incidents recorded, up by 48,814 compared to the previous year.
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By GlobalDataThis unprecedented demand coincides with an upcoming five-day strike by resident doctors from 17 to 22 December for a 26% pay increase over the next few years, raising concerns about potential disruptions to patient care ahead of Christmas.
The NHS is urging all eligible individuals to receive their flu vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness.
According to the latest data, more than 17.4 million people have been vaccinated this year, exceeding last year’s total by over 170,000. Furthermore, more than 60,000 additional frontline healthcare workers have received their flu vaccinations compared to the same period last year, with further increases expected in the coming days.
Ambulance response times have shown some improvement, with the average response time for Category 2 emergencies, including strokes and heart attacks, nearly ten minutes faster than in October 2024, now at 32 minutes 46 seconds.
Despite these improvements, the NHS waiting list in October increased slightly by 6,002 to 7.40 million, representing an estimated 6.24 million patients. However, this is still significantly lower than the 7.54 million recorded a year ago.
In October, the NHS performed 2.62 million vital checks and tests, the highest monthly total on record. This figure is over 100,000 higher than the previous month and nearly 62,000 more than in October 2024.
As the NHS prepares for the five-day industrial action by resident doctors, the public is being advised to attend any planned appointments unless contacted to reschedule.
Primary, urgent, and emergency care services will remain available, and patients have been encouraged to use NHS 111 online for urgent but non-life-threatening issues during the strikes.
Emergency medical care will continue to be accessible through 999 and A&E departments.
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.
“The number of patients in hospitals with flu is extremely high for this time of year. Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.”
UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting added: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals. We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible, including already getting over 17 million patients vaccinated, 170,000 more than this time last year, with over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.
“We have recruited 2,500 more GPs and modernised GP appointment booking, keeping patients cared for in the community and out of hospital. The offer I have made to the BMA [British Medical Association] would help solve the jobs problem resident doctors are facing, and bring an end to strike action this Christmas, which is the most dangerous time of year. I urge resident doctors not to inflict further damage on the NHS, vote for this deal, and call off the Christmas strikes.”
