Winter viruses, particularly flu, have made a concerning resurgence following Christmas and New Year social gatherings, placing renewed strain on the National Health Service. NHS England data indicates a significant bounce back in cases, halting a previous downward trend and prompting warnings that the toughest period of winter may still lie ahead.
Sharp Uptick in Flu Admissions and Ambulance Delays
The latest weekly figures reveal that an average of 2,924 patients were occupying hospital beds in England each day with flu in the week ending January 4. This marks a 9% increase from the 2,676 daily average recorded the previous week. This rise interrupts a decline that had seen numbers fall from a peak of 3,140 in the week to December 14.
Concurrently, ambulance handover delays outside hospitals have worsened sharply. Last week, 33% of patients arriving by ambulance waited at least 30 minutes to be transferred to A&E teams, a jump from 18% the week before and the highest level this winter. The data period included New Year's Eve, traditionally one of the busiest nights for emergency services.
More critically, 12% of handovers (11,805 patients) experienced delays exceeding one hour, soaring from 4% the previous week and also reaching a new winter peak.
NHS Leadership Issues Stark Winter Warning
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, stated the situation clearly remains challenging. "It's clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter," he said. "Hospitals again experienced a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week."
He highlighted that the recent cold snap has compounded pressures, leading to more vulnerable patients with respiratory issues in A&E and a rise in injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Overall hospital bed occupancy in England rose to just under 92%, a 5% increase on the week before.
Public Urged to Seek Vaccination and Care
Despite the intense pressure, health leaders are stressing the importance of the public continuing to access necessary care. Professor Powis also reinforced a crucial public health message: "It remains important that people come forward for care as usual and there are still plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated and get protected against flu."
The combined impact of resurgent seasonal viruses, cold weather ailments, and ongoing high demand is creating an extremely busy time for NHS staff across hospital and ambulance services. The data suggests the anticipated winter peak for the health service, often seen in January, is now in full effect.
